The Election Petition Tribunal in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State, has confirmed that Professor Anthony Okorie Ani will continue as the Senator for Ebonyi South Senatorial District.
On Thursday, August 15, the tribunal dismissed challenges from Labour Party (LP) candidate Hon. Linus Abaa Okorie and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Barrister Silas Onu.
The tribunal found that the petitioners didn’t provide enough evidence to prove any election malpractices or irregularities against the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, leading to a unanimous decision that their claims were not valid.
After the ruling, Senator Ani’s lawyer, Roy Nweze Umahi, SAN, praised the tribunal for its fair decision. He said the judgment aligned with the law and was a step towards justice.
Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, APC Chairman in Ebonyi State, celebrated the ruling as a win for the APC. He emphasized that the people of Ebonyi South did not vote for the PDP or LP candidates and proudly stated that the APC is firmly established in the state. He encouraged those aiming to win future elections to join the winning party and move away from opposition groups.
Hon. Chidiebere Uzor, Chairman of Onicha Local Government Area, said the decision accurately reflected the people’s choice, noting that the residents of Ebonyi South only supported Professor Ani and questioning why the LP and PDP candidates were disputing the result.
Chief Sunday Oyibe, a former Commissioner for Education in the state, added that the ruling would allow Senator Ani to focus on delivering quality representation. He also thanked Governor Francis Nwifuru, Minister of Works Senator David Umahi, APC Chairman Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, and other party leaders for their support during the election.
Professor Ani was elected in a by-election on February 3, securing 46,270 votes to defeat his nearest competitor, Chief Ifeanyi Eleje of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who received 3,513 votes. The by-election was necessary after Senator David Umahi resigned to become Minister of Works.
