The Election Petition Tribunal in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State, has affirmed the election of Professor Anthony Okorie Ani as the Senator representing Ebonyi South Senatorial District.

The tribunal dismissed the petitions filed by the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Hon. Linus Abaa Okorie, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Barrister Silas Onu. In its unanimous decision, the tribunal ruled that the petitioners were unable to prove their claims of electoral malpractices and irregularities against the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, thereby rejecting the petitions due to a lack of merit.

Speaking to reporters after the judgment, Senator Ani’s counsel, Roy Nweze Umahi, SAN, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, praising the tribunal for upholding the law.

Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, the Chairman of the APC in Ebonyi State, hailed the verdict as a triumph for the APC family in the state. He asserted that the people of Ebonyi South did not vote for the PDP or LP candidates and encouraged those seeking electoral success to align with the APC.

Hon. Chidiebere Uzor, Chairman of Onicha Local Government Area, echoed these sentiments, describing the judgment as reflective of the true will of the people of Ebonyi South. He questioned the legitimacy of the challenges brought by the LP and PDP candidates.

Former Ebonyi State Commissioner for Education, Chief Sunday Oyibe, remarked that the ruling would allow Senator Ani to focus on providing quality representation. He commended the support from Governor Francis Nwifuru, Minister of Works Senator David Umahi, and other APC leaders during the election.

Senator Ani secured his position after winning the February 3, 2024, by-election with 46,270 votes, defeating his closest rival, Chief Ifeanyi Eleje of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who garnered 3,513 votes. The by-election followed the resignation of Senator David Umahi to serve as Minister of Works.