A/Ibom polls: Tribunal orders rerun in 18 LGs

The Akwa Ibom State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja yesterday ordered a re-run in 18 out of the 31 Local Government Areas in the state.

Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Sadiq Umar gave the order while delivering judgment in the petition filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate, Chief Umana Okon Umana challenging the validity of the election of Governor Emmanuel Udom.

Some of the affected local government include: Uyo, Eket, Ibesikpo, Ona, Ukanafon, Ikono, Oron, Uruan, Ibiano-Ibom and Etinan among others.

The judge held that the allegations

of irregularities and non-availability of election materials in the affected LGAs were also proved by the petitioners.

Reacting to the decision, counsel to the petitioners, Solomon Umoh (SAN), said the judgment was a victory for democracy.

On his part, counsel to the governor, Paul Usoro (SAN), said they would study the content of the judgment and decide on the next line of action.