The Rivers Election Tribunal sitting in Abuja on Saturday nullified the election of Governor Nyesom Wike and ordered fresh elections to take place in 90 days.
The team led by Justice Ambusa said the election conducted on April 11 2015 which brought Wike of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to power was substantially flawed as it was marred by violence.
The All Progressive Congress (APC) Candidate in the April 11 election Dakuku Peterside had challenged the declaration of Wike by the INEC as the winner of the polls.
Rivers state had witnessed violence during the March/April general elections.
As a result of fear of violence, the tribunal was moved to Abuja to hear the case.
Chairman of the tribunal Suleiman Ambrousa in his ruling said the election of Wike was flawed from the evidenced before it.
During the trial, Peterside had presented 56 witnesses while Wike presented 24 witnesses but the three man tribunal noted that Wike witnesses made conflicting statements and that their testimonies were weak.
The judgment which started at about 10:16am lasted for two hours. Wike has reportedly said he would appeal the judgment.
Leave a Reply