The National and State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal, which convened in Enugu, has invalidated the victory of Okey Mbah, representing the Peoples Democratic Party, in the March 18 House of Assembly election for the Nkanu East State Constituency.
Furthermore, the tribunal has instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize a fresh election in the affected polling units within a 90-day timeframe.
Mr. Okwudiri Nnaji, the Labour Party candidate, had contested the election outcome, alleging overvoting and other electoral irregularities.
In its ruling on the petition, a three-member panel of the tribunal led by Justice Adie Onyebueke nullified the election and ordered a rerun specifically in polling units within Ugbawka and Owo wards, where election results had been inflated.
The court determined that the election failed to meet established standards and was marred by significant noncompliance with the Electoral Act.