Anambra State Elections Petitions Tribunal, headed by the Justice Ishaq Bello, was shocked yesterday, following 40 “Ghana-must-go” bags filled with evidence, brought by Senator Chris Ngige.

After one-week break, the tribunal resumed with bags of evidence brought by Ngige, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the November 16 poll.

Ngige’s petition is against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), the Governor-elect, Chief Willie Obiano, and his party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Some documents tendered by Ngige’s lawyers, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) and Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN), were voter registers used during the election.

Ngige and APC tendered other documents, such as the ballot paper account, oath of neutrality and the list of ad hoc workers. In selected areas, ballot papers would be tendered.

The tribunal refused to dismiss an application by Adegboyega Awomolo and Patrick Ikwueto to strike out the petition of Dr. Chike Obidigbo, challenging the recognition of Obiano by APGA.

Justice Bello said they were at the tribunal to play by the rules of fairness and not to promote injustice.

He held that the tribunal would give Obidigbo’s counsel, Mr. J.O. Onwujekwe, an adjournment to enable him produce documents held by Oba Maduabuchi, who lost his brother.

The tribunal was surprised that although most of Ngige’s evidence was struck out at pre-trial, the petitioner still came up with bags of other evidence.

•Excerpted from The Nation. Photo shows Senator Ngige flanked by his running mate, Ralph Okeke (right), and APC Anambra State chairman, Chief Amaechi Obidike, departing the Anambra Governorship Election Tribunal...yesterday. Inset: Some of the bags.

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