The Court of Appeal in Lagos has rejected Stella Oduah’s appeal challenging the outcome of the February 25, 2023 Anambra North Senatorial District election, where Tony Nwoye of the Labour Party emerged as the victor.

Earlier, the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in Awka, Anambra State, had dismissed petitions filed by Oduah and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) contesting Nwoye’s win, citing a lack of merit.

Unsatisfied with the tribunal’s decision, Oduah and the PDP proceeded to file appeals with the Court of Appeal, marked as CA/AW/EP/SEN/AN/03/2023 and CA/AW/EP/SEN/AN/04/2023.

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Official records from the Independent National Electoral Commission indicate that Nwoye secured 94,779 votes, while Oduah received 50,146 votes.

The Appeal Court ruled in favor of Oduah regarding the nomination issue, stating that the nomination of candidates is within the purview of a political party and not a matter for judicial review.

It emphasized that nomination is a pre-election matter, suggesting that Oduah had no legal standing to dispute the Labour Party’s membership.

The court further clarified that only a primary election aspirant has the right to challenge such matters.

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Back in October, the Court of Appeal in Lagos had reserved judgment on the appeals submitted by Oduah and the PDP.

The three-member panel of justices deliberated and adjourned for judgment after hearing arguments from legal representatives of both parties.