The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld Senator Austin Akobundu’s victory as the duly elected senator for Abia Central Senatorial District, dismissing an application by Darlington Nwokocha of the Labour Party seeking a review of the previous judgment.
The appeal court reaffirmed its initial decision, declaring Senator Akobundu as the legitimate winner of the February 25, 2023, National Assembly election in the Senatorial District. The court also rejected Nwokocha’s plea for a reversal of the earlier judgment.
In response to the dismissal, the Court of Appeal awarded a cost of N5 million to Senator Austin Akobundu, signaling a strong affirmation of the legitimacy of his victory. The financial penalty is to be paid by Darlington Nwokocha.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) officially confirmed the court ruling in a statement released on Friday.
The ruling party expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, emphasizing the credibility of the electoral process and the importance of respecting the will of the electorate.
