The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Enugu State has affirmed the victory of Governor Peter Mbah from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), dismissing the challenge brought forth by Barr Chijioke Edeoga of the Labour Party (LP). Edeoga's primary claims revolved around allegations of Mbah's NYSC certificate forgery, election irregularities, and over-voting.

The three-person panel, led by Justice Kudirat Morayo Akano, ruled in favour of Mbah, rejecting Edeoga's bid to disqualify him based on the alleged NYSC certificate forgery. The panel clarified that, according to Section 177 of the 1999 Constitution, an NYSC certificate is not a mandatory requirement for gubernatorial candidates.

The Tribunal emphasised that Mbah had already met the qualifications for office without the NYSC certificate, as he did not submit it to INEC. The allegations of over-voting and BVAS bypassing were also dismissed.

Furthermore, the panel determined that the witnesses presented by the Labour Party were not accredited agents recognised by INEC, rendering their testimony invalid. It concluded that Mbah was duly elected governor based on the majority of lawful and valid votes cast during the election.

Earlier in the day, the Tribunal dismissed a petition from the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) gubernatorial candidate, Elder Christopher Agu.