In a landmark decision on Friday, the Supreme Court validated the election victory of Peter Mbah as the Governor of Enugu state.
Justice Mohammed Garba, delivering the lead judgement, refuted claims that Mbah lacked the National Youth Service Corp certificate, dismissing it as a mere allegation.
In a significant legal battle, Chijioke Edeoga of the Labour Party contested Mbah’s election, challenging the Court of Appeal’s decision.
The Lagos Division of the Appeal Court unanimously addressed and resolved all three issues raised against Edeoga, reinforcing Mbah’s qualification for the governorship.
Presiding over the three-member panel, Justice Tani Hassan emphasized that Edeoga failed to substantiate claims that Mbah was not qualified for the governorship election.
The court firmly held its ground on Mbah’s eligibility, establishing a decisive precedent.
Addressing the allegation of over voting, Justice Hassan, in her lead judgement, pointed out a crucial flaw in the appellant’s case.
The voters’ register, a pivotal piece of evidence, was never presented before the lower tribunal, rendering the appeal inadmissible.
The court ruled that the appellant’s witnesses failed to prove the existence of over-voting in the governorship election.
As a result, the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal for its lack of merit, solidifying the judgment of the election tribunal.
This ruling, in favour of Mbah from the PDP, underscores the legitimacy of his victory in the March 18, 2023 election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission had previously declared Peter Mbah as the winner of the March 18, 2023 election.
