The National and State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Enugu has dismissed the suit seeking to annul the election of winner of the Enugu East Urban System Constituency Election held on the 18th March, 2023, Hon. Osita Okoh, describing the suit as a pre-election matter and therefore not within the jurisdiction of the court to entertain.

The tribunal also held that the petitioners, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the said election, Hon. Obinna Ogbu, lacked the locus standi to challenge the election.

Recall that the petitioners had challenged the election on the ground that Hon. Okoh was not qualified to fly the LP flag in the March 18 State Assembly election, him not being a registered party member of the LP.

But the tribunal in a unanimous judgment threw out the petition for lack of merit.

Meanwhile, reacting to the judgment, Hon. Osita Okoh, while thanking God for the victory, also dedicated it to his constituents.

"Today is a remarkable day for us and we thank God for the victory.

"This judgement is victory for democracy. It is a testament that there is still hope for democracy and that the judiciary is still the last hope for the common man. I commend the judges 

"I also thank my constituents for their unwavering support since we started this journey. This is their victory.

"It is victory over powerful forces seeking to thwart our dreams for our people.

"I feel reenergised and wish to reassure my constituents that we are not relenting in our quest to bring all our campaign promises to realities", Hon. Okoh stated.