Again Rochas floors Ohakim as Appeal Court Upholds Okorocha’s Election

By Tobi Soniyi

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on yesterday dismissed the appeal brought by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenging the declaration of Owelle Rochas Okorocha as the winner of the supplementary governorship election conducted in Imo State on May 6th 2011.

The court presided over by Justice Tijani Abdulahi who led four other Justices of the court in a unanimous decision held that the PDP appeal lacked merit and was therefore dismissed.

The Court subsequently upheld the election of Okorocha of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Justice Abdulahi said: "After a careful consideration of the preliminary objection filed by the appellants, we hold that it lacks merit and is hereby dismissed. The appeal also lacks merit and also dismissed with N50, 000 cost against the appellant.

Justice Abdualhi said the reasons for the decision would be given on a date to be communicated to counsel in the suit.

Reacting to the court’s decision, the APGA National Chairman Chief Victor Umeh described the court’s decision as an affirmation of the will of the people.