Mbah vs Edeoga: Enugu Gubernatorial Tribunal set to pronounce verdict today

Enugu State is experiencing heightened tension as the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, seated in Enugu, prepares to announce its decision on the petitions challenging the victory of Peter Mbah, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, in the 2023 governorship election.

Chijioke Edeoga, the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party (LP), is contesting Mbah’s win. The three-member tribunal led by Justice Kudirat Morayo Akano set today as the judgment date, scheduled to commence at 9 a.m.

Edeoga and the LP have brought their case to the tribunal, challenging, among other issues, the legitimacy of Peter Mbah’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, which was presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the election declaration.

They also alleged that Mbah did not fulfill his mandatory youth service obligations before assuming a political position in 2003. Additionally, they contested the validity of votes accrued during the electoral process.

The petitioners have made allegations of extensive electoral malpractice and rigging, particularly in Owo and Ugbawka wards in Nkanu East, Enugu East, and Udenu local governments, where they claim that computation errors led to a reduction in their votes.

The tribunal proceedings witnessed robust legal arguments and citations, with both parties presenting witnesses and evidence that were accepted as exhibits.

Security sources have confirmed that adequate security measures have been put in place by various security agencies, led by the Police, to prevent any disruption of law and order.