Enugu -The State and National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in Enugu has dismissed the forensic report on election materials used for the April 11 state assembly election in Nkanu West constituency.
The report brought by the People’s Democratic Congress candidate, Mr Ofor Nnaji, challenged the emergence of the People’s Democratic Party candidate, Mr Iloabuchi Aniagu, as the winner as declared by INEC.
Nnaji’s counsel, Mr O. Jolaawo, sought the leave of the tribunal for additional witnesses and adoption of the forensic report on the materials used in Nkanu West as an evidence before the tribunal.
The counsel to the respondent, Mr Ogochukwu Onyekwuluje, opposed the application, arguing that the time allowed for such pleading had elapsed.
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“The law required one to plead or make amends for new facts and documents 21 days from the date of the declaration of election results and after that, the tribunal has no power to allow such,” he said.
The Chairman of the tribunal, Justice M.O. Adewara, ruled that the petitioner failed to apply for an amendment within the time required and therefore dismissed the application for lack of merit.
Meanwhile, the tribunal has set aside Aug. 10 to rule on a petition filed by the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Mr Nwabueze Okafor, against Mr Gilbert Nnaji of the PDP.
Nwabueze is challenging the declaration of Nnaji as the winner of the Enugu East senatorial seat by the INEC. (NAN)