By Abiola Olawale
The Labour Party has formally petitioned the Supreme Court to invalidate the November 2023 gubernatorial election in Imo State, alleging significant irregularities and a substantial miscarriage of justice.
The party, during a press conference held Monday called on the apex court to order a fresh election to rectify what they described as a deeply flawed electoral process.
In a press statement issued by Labour’s national publicity secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the party pointed out that the number of accredited voters was just over 500,000, yet the votes counted surpassed 700,000—creating a discrepancy of over 200,000 votes.
The statement reads in part: ”The issue at hand is clear: the total number of certified accredited voters for the November 2023 governorship election, as certified by INEC, was just over 500,000.
”However, the total votes counted, which was used to declare the candidate of APC winner exceeded 700,000, resulting in an over-voting discrepancy of more than 200,000.
”We had raised this issue during the election as we had clear evidence of abuse of electoral practices, including falsification and mutilation of result sheets, harassment of the Labour Party’s agents, snatching of ballot boxes and open vote buying.
”According to Section 53 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), any election marred by over-voting should be cancelled. This provision is unambiguous and does not leave room for alternative interpretations.
”The law was crafted to protect the sanctity of the electoral process and ensure that elections are free, fair, and reflective of the voters’ true choice.
”Regrettably, despite the overwhelming evidence of over-voting, both the election tribunal and the appeal court failed to apply this clear legal standard. Instead, they chose to validate an election result that is fundamentally flawed and legally indefensible.
”This is not just a violation of the law but also a profound injustice to the people of Imo State, who deserve a leadership that genuinely reflects their will.
”The Supreme Court now has the opportunity to correct this injustice and restore faith in our legal institutions by upholding the law as it is written—clear, unambiguous, and without room for further interpretation.”
The party urged the Supreme Court to” act decisively and uphold the electoral laws”
”Given the clear evidence of over-voting, which invalidates the election results according to the law, the Court should order the cancellation of the flawed election and mandate a fresh governorship election in Imo state.
”This action is essential to restore public trust and uphold the integrity of the judicial system,” the party stated.
