Abia Tribunal Annuls Election, Bars APGA From Re-run

THE National and State Assemblies Election Petitions Tribunal sitting
in Umuahia has barred the opposition All Progressives Grand Alliance,
APGA, from participating in a fresh election it ordered in Aba North
State Constituency.

The tribunal has nullified the election of Mr. Emeka Nnamani of All
Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, representing Aba North State
Constituency on the ground that he was ab initio not qualified to
contest the election held on April 11, 2015.

Delivering judgment in the petition filed by Dr. Blessing Nwagba of
PDP challenging the election of Nnamani, the tribunal nullified his
election and ordered a fresh election in the constituency but said
that APGA would not participate in the fresh election.

According to the chairman of the tribunal, Justice Sabiu Yahuza, "the
petitioner, Dr. Nwagba proved the allegation of non-qualification
leveled against the respondent as his name was not in the register of
his Eziama Ward of his party, APGA, and ought not to have participated
in the said election."

The panel however exempted APGA from participating in the re-run of
the election, saying that it would be between the petitioner's party,
PDP, and the other candidates from the other parties that participated
in the April election.

On the allegation that Nnamani forged the certificate of University of
Port Harcourt, the tribunal directed the police to investigate the
matter and prosecute the respondent if found culpable.

It would be recalled that during the trial, the tribunal admitted in
evidence a letter from the Registrar of the University of Port
Harcourt disowning Nnamani as a graduate of the University.