Breaking: Tribunal sacks another Labour Party House of Rep member in Enugu

Enugu, Nigeria – September 12, 2023 – The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in Enugu has delivered another blow to the Labour Party (LP) as it sacked Barr. Sunday Umeha, the House of Representatives member representing Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency. In a significant turn of events, Dr. Festus Uzor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was declared the rightful winner of the February 25 election.

Read Also Tribunal Sacks 3 Labour Party House of Reps, orders rerun

The tribunal, led by Justice A.M Abubakar, ruled in favor of Dr. Uzor, citing a crucial reason for the decision. Justice Abubakar highlighted that Barr. Umeha failed to properly resign from the PDP before seeking the ticket of the Labour Party. This discrepancy raised questions about Umeha’s eligibility to contest in the election.

Furthermore, the tribunal pointed out that the purported resignation letter submitted by Barr. Umeha was signed by an individual who was no longer a leader of the PDP, adding another layer of complexity to the case.

Read Also Sacked NDDC Chairman Calls for immediate Arrest of Peter Obi

Following this ruling, Justice Abubakar directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue a certificate of return to Dr. Uzor, cementing his status as the rightful winner of the election.

This decision comes just two days after the same tribunal sitting sacked Chijioke Okereke of the LP as the House of Representatives member for Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency. In that case, a 3-man panel, led by Justice Nusirat I. Umar, declared Chief Anayo Onwuegbu of the PDP as the duly elected candidate.

Read Also Governor Sheriff Oborevwori goes to Supreme Court

The consecutive losses suffered by the Labour Party have raised eyebrows and led to questions about the party’s internal processes and candidate selection. Earlier today, the LP’s national chairman, Julius Abure, expressed concern and queried the various tribunal rulings nationwide that have led to the removal of dozens of the party’s lawmakers.

As the political landscape in Enugu and across Nigeria continues to evolve, these tribunal decisions are reshaping the composition of the National Assembly and sparking debates about electoral integrity.

For more updates on this and other political developments, stay tuned to The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal.