By Akubulu Ngozi
An Appeal Court sitting in Lagos State has dismissed the petition of the All Progressive Party, (APC) Governorship Candidate in Rivers State, Patrick Tonye-Cole against the Governor of the State and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Candidate, Siminalayi Fubara on Tuesday.
This is following the suit filed by Tonye Cole questioning the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC’s declaration of Fabura as the winner of the March 18, 2023 Guber Poll in the State.
Recall that, Cole had earlier petitioned the case at the Rivers State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in October which was dismissed by the Tribunal, with claims that, the APC that sponsored Cole had withdrawn the petition against Fubara’s victory.
Moreover, the three-man panel of the Tribunal, dismissed the petition of Cole for lacking merits on the grounds that he lacked the power to independently challenge the victory of Governor Fubara without his political party, amongt other grounds.
Moreover, Cole still not satisfied with the judgement of the Tribunal, approached the appellate court, which also affirmed the Tribunal ruling that earlier upheld Fubara’s electoral victory in October as the Legitimate Governor the State.
Recall that on Monday when the date for the Appeal Court Judgement was fixed, Fubara alleged that, the Former Governor of the State, Nyesom Wike, plans to use the courts to impeach him.
Similarly, the Former Governor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, had earlier said he was ready to support another candidate from another party in a fresh election.
Recall that, Wike and Fabura who were initially close pals, clashed recently
