TIJJANI ABDULLAHI, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This is an appeal against the judgment of the Abia State Governorship and legislative Houses Election Petition Tribunal sitting at Umuahia, Abia State, delivered on the 26th day of January, 2008 which set aside the return and declaration of the 1st Respondent and declared the 1st Petitioner as the elected candidate for the Ukwa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
It is pertinent to state from the onset that two appeals in respect of a single judgment were filed. The first appeal CA/PH/EPT/157/2008 was filed by Hon. Emeka Stanley as Appellant and Barrister Uzoma Nkem Abonta, Peoples Democratic Party and 99 ors as Respondents. The 2nd appeal. No. CA/PH/EPT/157A/2008, has Hon. Emeka Stanley, INEC and 99 ors as Appellants and Banister Uzoma Nkem Abonta and peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as Respondents/cross Appellants.
The Petitioner, Barrister Uzoma Nkem Abonta filed a petition against the return of the Appell…