The Election Petition Tribunal in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, has confirmed Professor Anthony Okorie Ani's election as the Senator for Ebonyi South Senatorial District. The tribunal's ruling on Thursday dismissed the challenges presented by Labour Party (LP) candidate Hon. Linus Abaa Okorie and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Barrister Silas Onu.
The tribunal unanimously found that the petitioners failed to provide sufficient evidence of malpractices and irregularities against the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, leading to the dismissal of their petitions.
Following the ruling, Senator Ani's legal counsel, Roy Nweze Umahi, SAN, praised the tribunal for upholding the law and ensuring justice. APC Chairman in Ebonyi State, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, celebrated the judgment as a victory for the party and asserted that the APC's dominance in the state is solidified. He encouraged future candidates to join the APC rather than opposing parties.
Onicha Local Government Area Chairman, Hon. Chidiebere Uzor, lauded the decision as an accurate reflection of the electorate's choice and questioned the need for the LP and PDP's contestation. Former Commissioner for Education, Chief Sunday Oyibe, commended the ruling as it allows Senator Ani to focus on effective representation, and thanked various leaders and stakeholders for their support during the election.
Professor Ani won the Ebonyi South seat in a February 3, 2024, by-election with 46,270 votes, defeating APGA's Chief Ifeanyi Eleje, who received 3,513 votes. This election followed Senator David Umahi's resignation to become Minister of Works.
