Nigeria Supreme Court Confirms Governor Peter Mbah's Win in Enugu Election Challenge

The Supreme Court affirmed the election victory of Governor Peter Mbah in Enugu State, dismissing the Labour Party's (LP) appeal challenging the outcome of the March 18 gubernatorial election. The five-man panel of Justices found no grounds to overturn the concurrent rulings of the Enugu State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal and the Court of Appeal in Lagos.

The LP, led by candidate Chijioke Edeoga, alleged irregularities and questioned Governor Mbah's eligibility. Despite the dismissal of three issues by the Court of Appeal on November 10, Edeoga persisted, taking the case to the Supreme Court.

The appellate court maintained that the LP failed to provide evidence supporting claims of over-voting in Mbah's strongholds. The LP's petition, challenging Mbah's eligibility based on a purported forged NYSC certificate, was earlier dismissed by the tribunal.

Governor Mbah, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), secured victory with 160,895 votes, with LP's Edeoga trailing closely with 157,552 votes. Despite legal challenges, the Supreme Court's ruling solidifies Mbah's position as the valid winner, concluding a legal battle that tested the electoral process.