Abia Reps Seat: APC Chieftain hails Onyejeocha’s victory at tribunal

A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Daniel Okeke has applauded the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha’s victory at the election petition tribunal.

Okeke, in a statement issued on Thursday said that the judgement coincided with the yearnings of Onyejeocha’s constituents.

He also said that the verdict marked a significant chapter in Onyejeocha’s political career.

The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Umuahia on Wednesday nullified the election of Rep. Amobi Ogah (LP-Abia) and declared Onyejeocha winner of the Isiukwuato/ Umunneochi House of Representatives election.

Onyejeocha, the candidate of APC in the 2023 Isiukwuato/ Umunneochi federal constituency polls petitioned the tribunal challenging Ogah.

Convinced by her arguments, the tribunal ruled that Ogah’s emergence did not comply with the Electoral Act.

The tribunal ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the certificate of return from Ogah and issue the same to the petitioner, Onyejeocha.

Okeke who was the APC candidate in the Ohafia/Arochukwu House of Representatives election commended the Judges and lauded Onyejeocha’s dedication in pursuing her case to logical conclusion.

“Congratulations to Rep. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha as we celebrate your noteworthy victory in the House of Representatives Election Tribunal verdict for Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency.

“Your relentless devotion, unwavering allegiance, and tireless grinds have not only propelled you to this incredible triumph but have also won the hearts and trust of your constituents.

“This resounding victory is a testament to your vision and the people’s belief in your ability to represent their interests effectively.

“May your voyage ahead be filled with success, fulfilment and the realisation of your goals for the betterment of Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency and our beloved nation as a whole,’’ Okeke said.

It would be recalled that INEC had declared the Labour Party candidate, Amobi Ogah as the winner of the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi federal constituency election with 11,769 votes against Onyejiocha’s 8,752 votes.

Delivering judgement in the petition tagged EPT/AB/HR/8/2023 on Wednesday in Umuahia, the three-man panel said Ogah’s emergence did not comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

The tribunal agreed with the petitioner that there were over voting in some electoral units in favour of Ogah, while Onyejeocha’s actual votes were not declared.

After subtracting the alleged inflated figures, the tribunal declared that Onyejeocha scored 11,976 votes while Ogah scored 9,736 votes.

Ogah, however, rejected the judgement, saying that he plans to appeal at the Appeal Court.

Onyejeocha, served as the Deputy Whip in the 9th House of Representatives.