<p>NWALI SYLVESTER NGWUTA, J.S.C. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This appeal is against the ruling delivered by the court of Appeal, Calabar Judicial Division on 25th January, 2013.</p><p> The 1st Respondent, the Independent National Electoral Commission, conducted the Governorship election in cross River State on 25th February 2012. The 1st Appellant, a political party registered in Nigeria by the 1st Respondent, sponsored the 2nd Appellant at the said election.</p><p> The 3rd Respondent, also a registered political party, sponsored the 4th Respondent at the said election. The 2nd Respondent, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Cross River State, conducted the election on behalf of the electoral umpire, the 1st Respondent. </p><p> In the result of the election, the 2nd Respondent as agent of the 1st Respondent, declared the 4th Respondent winner of the Governorship election. The appellants were aggrieved at the declaration of the 4th Respondent as the winner of the election. They filed an election Peti…</p>