The Enugu governorship election tribunal witnessed chaotic scenes yesterday, as the Labour Party (LP) and its candidate, Chijioke Edeoga, were unsuccessful in their attempt to have Chukwuemeka Chukwu, the resident electoral commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state, imprisoned.
The LP had accused Chukwu of disregarding a valid tribunal order, which they claimed constituted “contempt of court.”
LP and Edeoga alleged that Chukwu prevented them from examining the bimodal voter accreditation system (BVAS) machines used during the March 18 election.
On March 29, the petitioners sought an order to inspect the BVAS machines, a request that was granted on the same day.
During the proceedings on July 12, Valerie Azinge, the counsel for the petitioners, drew the tribunal’s attention to the ex-parte order from March 29, which instructed INEC to allow them access to the BVAS machines.
Other political parties present, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), disagreed with LP, arguing that INEC had complied with the tribunal’s order.
According to the political parties, LP and Edeoga attempted to tamper with and operate the machines when they were brought in for inspection by the electoral body, despite the court’s order solely allowing inspection.
Azinge then sought to have the Enugu REC imprisoned for allegedly denying LP the opportunity to examine the machines.
However, the court rejected the application, citing the importance of fair hearing, and ordered that Chukwu be properly served and given an opportunity to respond.
Subsequently, the LP requested a postponement of proceedings until July 18, extending the deadline for concluding their case by two days.
The tribunal, however, denied the request, stating that the case would be adjourned to the following day.
Furthermore, the petitioners were directed to appear in court on Saturday and Sunday, alongside their witnesses, to finalize their case.
In response to this decision, supporters of the LP erupted in shouts, attempting to disrupt the proceedings with the police having to intervene to restore order.
The tribunal members then resumed their seats and adjourned the case until July 15.