Tribunal sacks Labour Party's candidate, declares PDP winner

The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Asaba, Delta State, has nullified the election of Ngozi Okolie of the Labour Party (LP) as a member representing Aniocha/Oshimili Constituency at the House of Representatives.

According to The Sun Newspaper, the tribunal in a judgement on Monday, July 24, held that Okolie was not duly sponsored by the LP as he was not a member of the party as of May 28, 2022, when the primary was purportedly held.

Per PM News, the tribunal declared the runner-up in the February 25, 2023, national assembly election, Ndudi Elumelu of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), as the winner.

Elumelu who is the immediate past minority leader of the house of representatives, had filed his petition, asking the tribunal to disqualify Okolie who was proclaimed the winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Now, the court has heeded his request.

Netizens react to court handing Ndudi Elumelu victory

Following the news, social media users shared their feelings. @chosensomto wrote on Twitter: "Congratulations to Hon. Ndudi Elumelu @Honndudielumelu and the PDP, on recovering the stolen mandate of Aniocha/Oshimili federal constituency from Labour Party.

"We will recover all stolen mandates, without social media noise/bullying."

@TheoAbuAgada said: "Give Ndudi Elumelu his Certificate of Return now, @inecnigeria."

@FestusRounmu commented: "He Who Laughs Last Laughs Best.

"Congratulations Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu."