The Court of Appeal has dismissed the appeal filed by the People’s Democratic Party and its governorship candidate, Samuel Anyawu challenging the decision of the Imo State tribunal, which affirmed the election of Hope Uzodinma as the governor of the State.
The court held that the appeal lacked merit having resolved all issues formulated against the appellants in the suit.
The appellate court also dismissed the appeal by the Labor Party and its candidate Achonu Nneji and that of the Allied Peoples Movement for also lacking in merit.
The appellants who were dissatisfied with the tribunal Judgment, had approached the court of appeal on grounds that the November 11, 2023 election was invalid because of non-compliance with the provision of the Electoral Act.
The appellants also challenged Mr Uzodimma’s qualification with an allegation that his WAEC General Certificate of Education result was forged.
Delivering judgment, the court of appeal held that the appellants in their appeal failed to prove the allegation of noncompliance as alleged.
The three-man Justices led by Justice Bitrus Sanga also held that the appellants failed to prove that Hope submitted a forged certificate.
Governor Hope Uzodimma was declared the winner of the election with a total of 540,308 votes.
Samuel Anyanwu of the PDP came second with 71, 503 votes followed by the Labour Party, candidate Senator Athan Achonu who came third polling 64,081 votes
