The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Samuel Anyawu, challenging the decision of the Imo State tribunal, which affirmed Hope Uzodinma as the authentic governor of the state.
The appellate court ruled that the appeal lacked merit, resolving all issues formulated against the appellants.
In a similar decision, the court also dismissed the appeal by the Labour Party and its candidate, Achonu Nneji, and that of the Allied Peoples Movement, stating that these appeals also lacked merit.
The appellants, dissatisfied with the tribunal’s judgment, had approached the Court of Appeal, arguing that the November 11, 2023 election was invalid due to non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
They also challenged Uzodinma’s qualification, alleging that his WAEC Certificate of Education was forged.
While delivering the judgment, the court held that the appellants failed to prove the allegations of non-compliance.
The three-man panel, led by Justice Bitrus Sanga, also held that the appellants did not provide sufficient evidence to prove that the governor submitted a forged certificate.