Tension in Imo as tribunal rules today

There is palpable tension in the 27 local councils of Imo State as the Legislative and Governorship Elections Petitions Tribunal delivers judgment today in Abuja, away from Owerri, the state capital.

The tribunal, which heard the petition in Owerri, relocated to Abuja few days ago, a development some sources said was caused by security concerns.

The governorship candidates of Action Alliance (AA), Uche Nwosu; the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Senator Ifeanyi Araraume and the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Hope Uzodinma, had challenged the declaration of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Emeka Ihedioha, as winner of the March 2019 polls by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

They alleged that there were incidences of over voting among other irregularities in the election.

In Owerri, security operatives were seen patrolling the streets to forestall any breach of the peace. Also, in public places in the city, supporters of various political parties were seen discussing the likely outcome of the petition today and what could happen after the judgment.