A’Ibom: Udofia to Appeal Tribunal Judgment

The 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State, Obong Akanimo Udofia, has rejected the judgment of the state Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which dismissed his petition against the declaration of Umo Eno as governor of the state by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Udofia in a statement said he would be appealing the judgment because of his commitment to upholding the principles of democracy, good governance, and shared prosperity to the Akwa Ibom people.

While affirming his belief in the rule of law and the judiciary, Udofia stressed that the electoral process should be a reflection of the will of the people.

According to him, “The decision by the Akwa Ibom State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal regarding the outcome of the March 18, 2023, gubernatorial election is shocking, unjust, and unacceptable. We are disappointed and at a loss as to how the tribunal arrived at those outcomes in the face of glaring evidence of infractions on the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution.

“I firmly believe that our electoral process should be a reflection of the will of the people, and it is our duty to protect and preserve the integrity of that process. It is with this commitment to the people of Akwa Ibom State and the principles of democracy that we announce our intention to appeal the decision of the tribunal at the Court of Appeal.”

While appreciating the people of Akwa Ibom State, his supporters, and the APC for their unwavering support and confidence in his aspiration and capacity to bring shared prosperity to the state, he urged the people to remain calm, law-abiding, and focused on the path of peace.“I want to assure the people of Akwa Ibom State that we remain resolute in our pursuit of justice and our commitment to the democratic ideals that bind us together. Together, we shall overcome this challenge and continue our journey towards a bright and prosperous future for Akwa Ibom State,” he said.