There is a heavy security presence in Imo State ahead of today’s judgment to be delivered by the governorship tribunal sitting in Abuja.
The tribunal had concluded hearing on the case filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Samuel Anyanwu, and his Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Athan Achonu, challenging the outcome of the November 11, 2023 governorship poll, which declared Hope Uzodimma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner for his second term.
Police and other security operatives have intensified patrols in Owerri, the capital city of the state and its environs.
However, residents of Owerri are calm despite heightened tension as a result of the expected judgment.
Meanwhile, both Anyanwu and Achonu have urged their supporters to remain loyal and law-abiding before, during and after the judgment.
A statement issued, yesterday, by the Legal Adviser to LP in Imo State, Ihejirika Emeka, said: “We have been formally notified by the tribunal’s secretary that judgment will be delivered on the petition filed by our party and our governorship candidate, Achonu, against Uzodinma, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and others on Friday, May 24, 2024, by 09:00 a.m. at the National Judicial Institute (NJI) Abuja.
A similar plea was made by Anyanwu in a statement issued by his Special Adviser (Media), Ikenna Onuoha, urging his supporters to maintain peace no matter the outcome of the judgment.
