The Abia State PDP governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, Chief Okey Ahiwe has reacted to the verdict of the Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos which, in its ruling today, upheld the verdict of the Abia State Elections Petitions Tribunal delivered on October 6, 2023 upholding the declaration of Dr. Alex Otti by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the duly elected Governor of Abia State in the 2023 Governorship and House of Assembly Elections.
It would be recalled that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Chief Ahiwe had challenged INEC’s declaration of Dr. Otti at the Tribunal and subsequently filed an appeal against the Tribunal verdict.
Reacting to the verdict of the Court of Appeal, Chief Ahiwe said no one should panic, while expressing deep gratitude to God, his numerous supporters across political party lines, his dynamic legal team, family, friends, and well-wishers.
In his words, “When we embarked on the journey to reclaim our mandate through judicial processes, it was a calculated resolution and we were conscious that the journey would not be a sprint but a peculiar marathon with inevitable twists and turns. Our destination was clearly defined from the onset, and our focus is unchanged. So, at this juncture, our faith in God is renewed, as well as our solid confidence in the judiciary. I therefore encourage all my supporters to stay calm, keep praying to God, and look beyond the eclipse of transitional sunset.”
Chief Ahiwe while extolling the courage and tenacity of his legal team, urged his supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding, assuring that his legal team would diligently study the judgment of the Court of Appeal, and advise on critical options to guide him and the leadership of the PDP in taking a decision.
Victor C. Nwokocha, ANIPR
Media Adviser to Chief Okey Ahiwe
December 2, 2023
