Wild celebrations erupted in Enugu today following the nullification of the election of Senator Gilbert Nnaji representing Enugu East Senatorial District.
Senator Nnaji was declared winner of the March 28 election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), amid controversies.
The tribunal led by Justice M. O, Adewara established widespread malpractices and falsification of results against the Senator Nnaji’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in many of the six local government areas in the district especially Isi-uzo and Nkanu East where it said there was massive over-voting and fraud.
The tribunal resolved that the election was not properly conducted in substantial compliance with the Electoral Act and therefore nullified the election.
The judgement was in favour of the former governor of Enugu State, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani, who contested the election on the platform of the People for Democratic Change (PDC), against Nnaji of the PDP.
Nnaji was scored 69,544 votes against Nnamani’s 57,528 emerge the winner of the election.
As news of the judgement spread round Enugu, wild jubilations erupted round the city with thousands of Nnamani’s supporters taking to the streets for hours after which long convoys of vehicles were seen heading towards his residence at Agbani in the outskirts of Enugu
INEC is required to conduct fresh polls for the senatorial seat in 90 days.
PDC governorship candidate reacts
Meanwhile, the Enugu State governorship candidate of the PDC in the April 11 governorship election, Hon. KGB Oguakwa has hailed the judgement, praising the three-man panel of judges as incorruptible.
His reaction, contained in a statement, reads as follows
“Though the prescription of rerun elections appears sometimes to reward the serial thievery of poll riggers and confer them with the undeserved refuge in rehabilitative purgatory,…however, in all the circumstances of this rather peculiar contest, this refreshing exhibition of courage and visionary acuity by the Nigerian Judiciary in today’s judgment has, at least shown that even in the 21st century biblical David (PDC) can still defeat yesterday’s ruling (PDP) Goliath!
“The very honourable panel of three erudite and incorruptible lordships have awarded the now jubilant masses of the Enugu East Senatorial District a reprieving penalty kick!
“Let us hope that in the weeks to come, President Muhammadu Buhari’s positive “body language” force of change shall keep both this judgment and votes to be subsequently cast, safe from the continuing boastful defiance and still marauding fangs of yesterday’s Nigeria.”
It wouldn’t have been less, the era of political shenanigans is over! The Lion of Amakpu is back, the juggernaut of the eastern political hemisphere is back on the saddle. The builder of men and the community, nno!. Ndi ‘we egwu, abatago and not the baby-faced “fine boy” politicians who are public and camera shy. Them still be learners. Now let’s face it. No matter how deep you sink a calabash bow in the sea dept, it must come afloat! The truth is like hair, once shaven, must surely grow back. and we say; “never again”, Enugu East, Enugu people, let’s restore our mandate to the man of the people! shi ahaaru yee!
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