Imo House of Representatives member Hon. Ugonna Ozuruigbo (OZB), of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lost his seat according latest appeal court judgment.
Hon. Uzuruigbo who represents Nkwerre, Njaba, Nwangele, Isu Federal Constituency in Imo State, had thw Appeal Court overturn his victory in favour of Barr. Harrison Nwadike, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, in the last general election.
Ugonna Uzuruigbo a former member of Imo House of Assembly was previously declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The appeal court judgement will be a major setback for the House of Reps member who previously triumphed at the election petition tribunal.
His victory at the election faced several huddles before he was finally declared winner by INEC. The Appeal Court judgement will be another one for him to face.
This legal decision brings an end to the prolonged legal battle surrounding the representation of the Nkwerre, Njaba, Nwangele, Isu Federal Constituency.
Ozuruigbo, who secured the seat in 2019 and was poised for a second term, saw his hopes dashed by the Appeal Court’s verdict.
Notably associated with the political family of former governor Rochas Okorocha, Ozuruigbo had previously defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP ahead of the 2023 General Elections, securing the party’s ticket.
However, his refusal to align with Gov. Hope Uzodinma’s leadership within the APC and his subsequent defection marked a contentious period leading up to the legal proceedings.
The court’s decision now establishes Barr. Harrison Nwadike as the official winner of the election.
