The Supreme Court has affirmed the election of Udom Emmanuel, as the Governor of Akwa Ibom and that of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu.
In the ruling on Wednesday, the court said Governor Emmanuel won the lawfully cast votes, setting aside the earlier ruling of the two lower courts.
The sitting was presided by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mahmood Mohammed alongside Justices Tanko Ibrahim Mohammed, Bode Rhodes-Vivor, Kudirat Kekerekun, Suleiman Galadima, Kumai Akaahs and Centus C. Nweze.
The Court also upheld Governor Emmanuel’s Appeal challenging the cancellation of the results of the elections held in 13 local governments.
In the ruling, the appeal of the Independent National Electoral Commission, challenging the cancellation of election results in some local government areas, was also upheld.
The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on December 18, 2015 nullified the Akwa Ibom State governorship election of April 11, removing the declared winner, Udom Emmanuel, from office.
Mr. Emmanuel’s election was challenged by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Umana Umana.
At the election tribunal, Mr. Emmanuel of the Peoples Democratic Party, had secured partial victory, with the election cancelled only in 18 out of the state’s 31 local government areas. The tribunal had ordered a rerun.
Mr. Emmanuel had challenged the ruling, insisting he won in all 31 LGAs.
The APC candidate, Mr. Umana, also appealed against the ruling, seeking a total nullification of the election.
A five-man panel at the Court of Appeal on Thursday December 18, 2015 dismissed Emmanuel’s argument, and cancelled the entire election.
Reasons for verdict are to be given on February 15.