Governorship candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) in Imo State Uche Nwosu has accused the election petition tribunal of refusing to release copies of its judgment 10 days after the verdict.
Panel Chairman Justice Umar Dogondaji dismissed the petitions filed by AA, All Progressives Congress (APC) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), which challenged the victory of Governor Emeka Ihedioha, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Nwosu, who addressed reporters in Abuja on Monday, said the panel’s refusal to release the judgment was a ploy to frustrate his chances to appeal the judgment.
According to him, efforts to get the judgment were frustrated by officials of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He said: “We suspect foul play. It has been 10 days since the judgment was given, but efforts to obtain the Certified True Copy (CTC) have been unsuccessful. It’s one excuse or the other.
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“However, I believe these people are out to sabotage my efforts. They know I have 14 days to file an appeal and I need the judgment’s CTC. This is why I have called you to tell the world what these people are doing to justice.”
But tribunal secretary Balarabe Garuba said copies of the judgment would be taken to Owerri today.
Garuba said he spoke to the tribunal’s Assistant Secretary, Muazu Lawan, who said he had copies of the judgment and would take them to those who should have them the next day.
He said: “He called me that the judgment was given to him, so he will take the next available flight to Owerri to give prospective appellants. He should be travelling tomorrow (today).”
