Elections tribunal receives 42 petitions in Anambra

The Elections Petition Tribunal sitting in Anambra says it has received 42 petitions challenging the outcome of various elections in the state, all filed on or before March 30.
The Secretary of the Tribunal, Falilat Orire, who released the list of petitions on Tuesday, disclosed that the figure comprised eight Senatorial petitions, nine House of Representatives and 25 for the State House of Assembly.
According to Orire, Hon. Obinna Chidoka of the Peoples Democratic Party is challenging the declaration of Ifeanyi Ibezi of the All Progressives Grand Alliance as winner of Idemili North and Idemili South Federal Constituency.
Orire said that Chidoka, who was challenging the election in the petition marked EPT/AN/HR/26/2019, included APGA, Independent National Election Commission and the Returning Officers for both local governments as respondents.
She said that Obinna Ngonadi and his party, the Young Progressives Party in a petition No. EPT/AN/SHA/25 was challenging Smart Okafor of APGA, who was returned winner for Nnewi North State Constituency election on March 9.
She said: “Also in the list, Paul Anyaegbunam of PDP is contesting the victory of Uche Okafor, who was declared winner of Anyamelum State Constituency election. Anyaegbunam joined the defendant’s party APGA and INEC as other respondents.
“The election of John Nwokoye of APGA as members representing Awka North State Constituency is being contested by Charles Okoye of PDP with APGA and INEC as respondents.
“The incumbent speaker of Anambra House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Rita Maduagwu is challenging her loss to Mr Johnbosco Akaegbobi of PDP for Nnewi South 11 constituency in petition no. EPT/AN/SHA/31/2019.’’
The tribunal secretary also disclosed that Azubuike Okoye of APGA filed a petition EPT/AN/SHA/17/2019 to challenge Ebele Ejiofor of PDP who was declared winner for Anaocha 1 State constituency.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that there was no governorship election in Anambra during the 2019 general elections as the incumbent governor; Chief Willie Obiano, was elected in 2018 for a second tenure.