13/01/2024
PRESS STATEMENT
EBONYI GOVERNORSHIP: WE ACCEPT SUPREME COURT'S DECISION IN GOOD FATE - PROF. ODOH.
In lieu of the ruling of the Supreme Court of Nigeria today, being the 12th of January, 2024 affirming the election of the Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC as the duly-elected Governor of Ebonyi State, may I on behalf of my Campaign Council and members of our great Party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA congratulate His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru on his victory.
Recall that we at the Odohzia Campaign Council had taken very active part in the March 18th, 2023 Governorship election beginning with our primaries in May 2022, running a successful, issues-based campaigns anchored on our transformative 'Hope Alive' manifesto.
Dissatisfied with the announcement of the APC candidate as the winner amidst allegations of non-compliance with the Electoral Act and issues bothering on his membership of the ruling Party, we had in May last year approached the Election Petition Tribunal which sat in Abuja and delivered it's judgement in September last year. Following the 3-man panel's decision dismissing our petition, we had also approached the Court of Appeal which sat in Lagos. The Appellate Court also in it's wisdom found no merit in our case, prompting us to approach the apex Court of the land in December 2023.
The 5-man panel of the Supreme Court in it's wisdom has again upheld the decisions of the two lower Courts, dismissing our petition alongside that of the PDP candidate. We welcome this verdict in good fate and I urge my supporters to remain strong, committed to every good cause and above all keep their eyes on the ball as the ultimate goal is to have a democracy that is not only seen to be working but ultimately delivers good dividends to all and sundry.
As a leader who has occupied sensitive position in government, we would continue to offer ourselves and make reasonable contributions to the governance affairs of our beloved State wherever and whenever such duty calls even as we keep the hopes alive for a better and more prosperous Ebonyi State that will remain mutually beneficial to residents, visitors and tourists and whoever transacts with or resides in the land.
E-signed:
Professor Benard Odoh
APGA Governorship candidate, Ebonyi 2023 election.