Tribunal orders Orji Kalu, others to inspect election documents

The National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal in Abia State has ruled that former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, should inspect the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) documents within seven days.

The documents to be inspected include ballot papers and result sheets used in the Abia North Senatorial polls. Kalu is to, within the same period, serve his petition on opponent, Chief Mao Ohuabunwa of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), by substituted means.

Tribunal Chairman Justice Mohammed Wakili gave the order during the commencement of the hearing on Kalu’s petition challenging the declaration of Ohuabunwa as winner of the Abia North Senatorial election in which Kalu was a candidate of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA).

Kalu had applied to be allowed by the tribunal to inspect the INEC documents and the liberty to serve Ohuabunwa through substituted means, while the next hearing was slated for Friday, May 15, 2015.

The tribunal also granted the request of APGA candidate for the Abia North Senatorial poll, Dr David Ogba Onuoha, who is challenging Ohuabunwa’s declared victory, to serve him by substituted means.

Similarly, the tribunal granted leave to APGA candidates for Isuikwuato/Umunneochi and Arochukwu/Ohafia House of Representatives seats, Dr Ejike Oji and Nnamdi Orji respectively, to serve their opponents /declared winners in the polls , Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyejiocha and Mr. Uko Nkole their petitions by substituted means.