Supreme Court Upholds Umo Eno’s Victory in Akwa Ibom Gubernatorial Election
In a decisive ruling, the Supreme Court has confirmed Umo Eno of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the duly elected governor of Akwa Ibom State. The apex court dismissed the appeals of the three parties challenging the outcome of the election held on March 18, 2023.
Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, leading the Supreme Court panel, delivered the judgment, affirming Eno’s victory. The appeals lodged by the All Progressives Congress (APC), Young Progressives Party (YPP), and the Action Alliance (AC) were dismissed, primarily on the grounds of the non-qualification of the governor, who faced allegations of certificate forgery—a charge vehemently denied by Governor Umo Eno.
The legal battle had its roots in the Court of Appeal, which had earlier upheld the judgment dismissing a suit challenging the primary that selected Umo Eno as the PDP candidate for the state. The appellant, Okon, had petitioned the court to disqualify Eno, alleging that he forged a West African Examination Certificate (WAEC), a claim submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the election.
The Court of Appeal, in its previous ruling, found the suit lacking in merit and imposed a financial penalty of 15 million naira against the plaintiff. The judge emphasized that Okon’s arguments were based on assumptions and that he failed to substantiate the claim that Eno’s certificates were forged.
This Supreme Court affirmation adds another layer of legitimacy to Umo Eno’s victory, solidifying his position as the duly elected governor of Akwa Ibom State. The dismissal of the appeals underscores the court’s stance on the lack of evidence supporting the allegations of certificate forgery and ensures that the democratic process prevails in upholding the people’s choice.