Tribunal Upholds Lewis Obianyi Election, Dismisses Ekeke’s Petition

The Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Umuahia Abia State, has dismissed the petition brought before it by the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Mr. Ekeke Adiele, against the member representing Ukwa-East State Constituency, Hon. Lewis Chinaemerem Obianyi, noting that it lacks merit.

In a unanimous judgment delivered today, Wednesday, September 20, 2023 by Hon. Justice Aderibigbe-led three-man panel, the tribunal held that the petitioner; Mr. Adiele Ekeke failed to prove that the election was marred with substantial ‘Non Compliance’ with electoral laws in Ukwa East State Constituency of March 18, 2023 elections as he alleged.

The tribunal also held that the first Petitioner, (Mr. Okeke Adiele) was not the person (Mr. Adiele Ekeke) who contested the election and does not have the locus standi to contest the election results.

They stated that the petitioner failed to establish the burden of proof of ‘Non Compliance and therefore, dismissed the petition for lacking in merit.

In his reactions, the Lead Counsel to Hon. Lewis Obianyi, Barr. Chidozie Ogunji hailed the tribunal for ensuring that justice prevailed on the matter.

Fielding questions from newsmen, the member, representing Ukwa-East State Constituency, Hon. Lewis Obianyi who expressed joy that the mandate, given to him freely through the ballot was preserved, thanking the election tribunal for being fair in their judgment.

Obianyi reiterated his commitments towards representing his people qualitatively, adding that he would not disappoint his constituents.

Recall that Mr. Adiele Ekeke who was a Commissioner in Abia State Oil Producing Reas Development Commission (ASOPADEC), had contested previous elections with same name, including the 2023 People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Abia State House Assembly (ABHA) primary election in Ukwa-East State Constituency, now claimed to be Mr. Okeke Adiele in his petition filed against PDP candidate.

A situation the tribunal frowned at.