The Rivers State Local Government Election Petition Tribunal has dismissed the petition filed by the Labour Party and its chairmanship candidate, Chioma Chinwo, challenging the outcome of the October 5, 2024, Port Harcourt City council election.

The three-man panel, led by Chief Magistrate Menenen Poromon, unanimously ruled that the petitioners failed to prove their case, particularly regarding the alleged allotment of votes to the winner of the election as declared by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

The tribunal’s judgment, delivered after consideration of the preliminary issues and the merits of the petition, held that the petitioners failed to provide sufficient evidence to support their claims of widespread irregularities during the election.

Despite allegations of electoral malpractices, the court ruled that the petitioners were unable to present witnesses to corroborate their claims, leading the tribunal to conclude that the election was conducted in accordance with electoral law.

Furthermore, the tribunal agreed with the respondents that the Port Harcourt City Local Government Council Chairman, Ezebunwo Ichemat, was qualified to contest the election, contrary to the petitioners’ claim that he had not resigned as a civil servant before contesting.

The respondents presented evidence to prove that Chairman Ichemat had indeed resigned from his position as a civil servant before contesting the election, thereby fulfilling the necessary requirements to participate in the poll.

Counsel to the Mayor of Port Harcourt, Chucks Ogworu, expressed satisfaction with the tribunal’s judgment, stating that the petition lacked merit from the onset.

“The tribunal’s decision is a vindication of our client’s victory at the polls,” Ogworu said. “We are pleased that the tribunal has seen through the petitioners’ attempts to discredit the electoral process and has given legal backing to our client’s victory.”

Similarly, counsel to the Action People’s Party (APP), Chimenem Jerome, stressed that the tribunal’s decision was a testament to the party’s commitment to free and fair elections.

“We are delighted that the tribunal has dismissed the petition and upheld the integrity of the electoral process,” Jerome said. “This judgment is a victory for democracy and a confirmation of our party’s dedication to upholding the principles of fair play and transparency.”

A stakeholder in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Ikechi Chinda, who served as a collation agent for the APP in the last LGA election, welcomed the judgment, stating that the Mayor can now focus on delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.

“This judgment is a relief to the people of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, who have been waiting for the Mayor to fulfil his campaign promises,” Chinda said. “With this judgment, the Mayor can now focus on providing good governance and improving the lives of our people.”

Notably, counsel to the claimants was absent in court and did not represent their clients during the judgment.