Two witnesses at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Umuahia have claimed that Governor Alex Otti did not officially resign from the All Progressives Congress (APC) before contesting for the governorship position under the banner of the Labour Party (LP).
During the proceedings on Tuesday, August 01, 2023, Friday Ugorji, the Chairman of Ward 5 in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area (LGA), testified as PW2 in the governorship election petition lodged by Chief Ikechi Emenike of the APC.
Ugorji stated that Alex Otti's name still appeared at the top of the ward's APC party register, indicating that he had not undergone the proper resignation process.
"Alex Otti left the APC without due process and did not submit any resignation letter," Ugorji told the tribunal.
Supporting Ugorji's claim, Engr Alozie Macsolomo, the Director of Records, Documentations, and Mobilisation of the APC, also testified as PW3. Macsolomo affirmed that Otti had not resigned from the APC in accordance with the requirements set forth in the Electoral Act.
Tochukwu Maduka, SAN, the chief counsel representing the petitioner, has concluded presenting their case before the tribunal. The allegations brought forward by Chief Ikechi Emenike against Governor Alex Otti have raised questions regarding Otti's party affiliation when he decided to run for the governorship position under the Labour Party.
The tribunal has decided to adjourn the proceedings and scheduled a recess until Tuesday, August 8, 2023, when the respondents, including Governor Alex Otti, will have the opportunity to commence their defense proceedings.