The recent ruling of the Ebonyi Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which upheld Francis Nwifuru of the All-Progressive Congress (APC) as the state's governor, has sparked a range of reactions.
The Tribunal, sitting in Abuja, dismissed the petitions of the All-Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and its candidate, Prof Benard Odoh, as well as the petition of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii.
Effectively, all challenges against Nwifuru's victory in the March 18, 2023, gubernatorial election were struck down, confirming him as the duly elected governor of Ebonyi State.
In response to the judgement, stakeholders in the state shared their perspectives. Kachukwu Emmanuel, a Political Analyst and APC stakeholder, lauded the judiciary's decision, viewing it as a triumph for the people of Ebonyi. He emphasised the widespread jubilation as a testament to the support for Nwifuru.
Meanwhile, Ifeanyi Nworie, Deputy State Chairman of the PDP and a member of the PDP Legal team, expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling. He urged party members and supporters to maintain composure and assured them of the party's determination to seek justice in a higher court.
Ogbuefi Zaccheaus, Secretary of the PDP, echoed Nworie's sentiments, expressing disappointment with the judgement while hoping for a favourable outcome at the appeal court.
On a conciliatory note, Patricia Nweke, a civil servant, called for unity among political parties to support the winner and collectively propel Ebonyi state towards progress. She emphasised the significance of the court as the final recourse for the common citizen and urged all parties to set aside animosity for the betterment of the state.
