Defeated All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Chris Ngige, and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP ) counterpart, Mr. Tony Nwoye, were conspicuously absent as the Anambra State Election Petition Tribunal started sitting yesterday in the state capital, Awka. Ngige, who came third during the November governorship election, and second-placed Nwoye had dragged the winner, Chief Willie Obiano of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the tribunal, alleging irregularities during the election.

Fielding questions from journalists after the tribunal sitting, Governor-elect Obiano said: “I have confidence in this tribunal and the Nigerian justice system to preserve our democracy. I am impressed with the composition of this tribunal and I have no doubt that the collective will of Ndi Anambra as expressed in the mandate they gave to me on November 16th and 30th, 2013 will be preserved.”

Speaking further, the Governor-elect said: “Just yesterday, we won a major victory at the Abuja High Court where my opponent’s application for an order of mandamus to compel the Inspector General of Police to prosecute me over a false allegation was struck out. I am confident that justice will also be done on the case before this tribunal.”

News Express reports that Chief Obiano had arrived the venue quite early, acknowledging cheers from many Anambrarians who turned up at the court premises to witness the proceedings of the tribunal.

The tribunal chaired by Justice Ishaq Usman Bello begun sitting at 9:00 a.m. with lawyers for the various parties to the dispute exchanging documents and petitions in readiness for a proper hearing and eventual legal fireworks.

The tribunal subsequently adjourned to next week Tuesday, February 11, for the next hearing.

•Photo shows Governor-elect Obiano.