Reactions have poured in following the verdict of the Ebonyi Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which upheld Francis Nwifuru’s victory as the Governor of the state under the All Progressive Congress (APC).
The tribunal, situated in Abuja, decided on Wednesday by dismissing the petitions filed by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and its candidate, Prof Benard Odoh, as well as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii.
All the petitions challenging Nwifuru’s victory in the March 18, 2023, gubernatorial election were struck down, affirming him as the legitimately elected governor of Ebonyi State.
In response to the judgment, stakeholders in the state expressed diverse views. Mr. Kachukwu Emmanuel, a Political Analyst and APC stakeholder lauded the judiciary’s decision, considering it a triumph for the people of Ebonyi. He noted that jubilation has been widespread since the verdict, reflecting the people’s support for Nwifuru.
“People voted for him and there are no two ways about it. This jubilation is purely a show of love. We are happy with the ruling. Congratulations to him and APC,” he stated.
However, Deputy State Chairman of the PDP, Mr. Ifeanyi Nworie, said the judgment was not acceptable to the party and called on members and supporters to remain calm.
Nworie, a Legal practitioner and a PDP Legal team member, vowed that the party would surely move to a higher Court for justice.
“I call our supporter to remain calm and we are determined to get justice and reclaim our mandate at the higher court,” he added.
Mr. Ogbuefi Zaccheaus, Secretary of PDP, decried the judgment and noted that the party is still hopeful at the appeal court.
Mrs Particia Nweke, a civil servant, urged the political parties to support the winner and move Ebonyi state forward.
“I believe that the court remains the last hope for the common man, so let us eschew anger and let us support the winner to build our dear state,” Nweke said.
