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| Allegations of Bias Rock Ebonyi Bye-Election Tribunal |
Onu is challenging the declaration of Professor Anthony Okorie of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The Ebonyi South Senatorial bye-election has taken a dramatic turn as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Barrister Silas Ọnụ, has accused the Election Petition Tribunal judges of bias. In a petition to the President of the Court of Appeal dated April 29, 2024, Onu demanded the disbandment of the panel, citing a blatant disregard for justice.
Onu is challenging the declaration of Professor Anthony Okorie of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He applied for an order of inspection of electoral materials, specifically the BVAS, on April 15, which was opposed by the 2nd and 3rd Respondents. However, INEC did not oppose the application.
Despite this, the tribunal dismissed the application on April 27, 2024, citing that granting it would amount to amending the petition. Onu argued that this claim is untruthful and intended to pervert justice, denying him the right to present his case and evidence. He pointed out that the BVAS was explicitly mentioned in the petition, contradicting the tribunal's claim.
This development raises concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the judiciary's role in ensuring justice. The accused judges, Justice H.N. Kunaza, Justice Basset Nkanang, and Justice M. O. Agboola, must address these allegations and ensure a fair and transparent process. The people of Ebonyi State deserve a free and fair election, and the judiciary must uphold its responsibility to protect democracy.
