Elumelu Returns to House of Reps as Tribunal Sacks LP Rep’s Okolie

Ilesanmi AdekanbiJuly 24, 2023

1 minute read

A tribunal in Asaba, Delta State, has nullified the election of Labour Party (LP) candidate Ngozi Okolie as the representative for the Aniocha/Oshimili Constituency in the House of Representatives.

The tribunal ruled on Monday that Okolie was not a registered member of the LP by May 28, 2022, the date of the primary election. It also found that her name was not on the list of accredited delegates for the primary election.

As a result, the tribunal declared the runner-up in the February 25, 2023 National Assembly election, Ndudi Elumelu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the winner.

Elumelu, who was the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives in the 8th Assembly, had challenged Okolie’s victory at the tribunal, alleging that he was not qualified to contest under the Labour Party.

Elumelu had also accused Okolie of presenting false documents and certificates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which had declared him the winner of the election.

The tribunal agreed with Elumelu’s petition and ordered INEC to issue him a certificate of return as the duly elected representative for the Aniocha/Oshimili Constituency.

The tribunal also ordered Okolie to vacate his seat and return all salaries and allowances he had received since his inauguration.

The judgement has been hailed by Elumelu and his supporters as a victory for democracy and justice.

Elumelu thanked the tribunal for upholding his mandate and promised to serve his constituents with dedication and integrity. He also called on Okolie and his supporters to accept the verdict in good faith and join hands with him to move the constituency forward.

Okolie, however, has vowed to appeal the judgement at the Court of Appeal, saying that he was confident that he would reclaim his seat.

He accused Elumelu and the PDP of using their influence and resources to manipulate the tribunal. He also urged his supporters to remain calm and peaceful, assuring them that he would not abandon them.

The decision is a setback for the LP, which had been hoping to make gains in the National Assembly election. It is also a reminder of the importance of following election rules and regulations.