The declaration of Dr Okezie Ikpeazu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as winner of the April 11, 2015 governorship election in Abia State has been upheld by the Abia State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

The tribunal, sitting in Umuahia, delivered the verdict minutes ago in the petition filed by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate, Dr Alex Otti.

Otti had sought the nullification of the election of Ikpeazu on the grounds that the gubernatorial election was marred by irregularities and malpractice.

In his written address as adopted, the petitioner is claming that election did not take place in the three local governments of Obingwa, Osisioma and Isiala Ngwa North – all strongholds of Dr Ikpeazu.

Otti, therefore, prayed the Justice Bwalla-led tribunal to cancel, outrightly, results from the three local governments and declare him winner or alternatively order a re-run in those councils.

Ikpeazu and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), however, dismissed the claims and requests, urging the tribunal to dismiss the case for lack of merit.

The tribunal dismissed Otti’s petition, saying he had failed to prove his claims.