The All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has asked the local government election tribunal to cancel the February 2022 Council election in Enugu state.
The ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, won all the championship of the 17 Local Government Areas and councillors in the 260 wards at the February 23rd poll.
However, APGA told the tribunal to cancel the election in 10 local governments of the state for non conformity with the laid down rules.
At the resumption of the hearing on Tuesday, 21st June, 2022, counsel to the first and second petitioners (Hon. Ngozi Ugwu and APGA) Barr. Alex Amujiogu before the appearance of the counsel to PDP, Walter Ozioko and ENSIEC (1st, 2nd and 3rd respondents respectively) and asked the tribunal to strike out the motion of the respondents since they’re not in court to defend same.
He also asked the tribunal to foreclose the position of the respondents as they have failed to appear in court even after been served the petition by the bailiff (who also deposed to an affidavit to have done so).
The chairman of the tribunal, Barr. Joseph Onah said that the motion can’t be struck out because the purpose of the sitting today is to know the level of compliance with serving the respondents with the petitions but the counsel to the petitioners argued that there are are standing and strict rules of the court in matters like this and same must be adhered to.
Barr Tochukwu Odoh, counsel to the 1st and second respondents who came late to the court told the tribunal that they have submitted a motion on the 8th of June seeking to set aside the order of substituted service adding that they weren’t served by the bailiff.
The matter was adjourned to June 24th after the tribunal took the pleas of the respondents.
Hon. Ngozi Ugwu is asking the tribunal to nullify the election in Nsukka Local Government and order for a fresh election.
She said the process was characterised by absence of election material (like result sheets), no casting of vote, hijack of election materials and violence in some areas.
