The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has reacted to his victory at the Appeal Court on Saturday.
The Court of Appeal sitting in Calabar had nullified the election of Dr Chris Ekpenyong, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and ruled in favour of Sen. Godswill Akpabio, a former Senate Minority leader.
Senator Ekpenyong had been declared winner of February 23, 2019, National Assembly election in Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District.
The minister approached the Tribunal asking it to upturn the pronouncement of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The Tribunal ruled in favour of Ekpenyong which led unsatisfied Akpabio to file for Appeal.
Delivering judgement on Saturday, the Appeal Court ordered INEC to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Dr Ekpenyong and conduct a fresh election in the Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District within 90 days.
Reacting in a statement on Twitter, Akpabio described the judgement as victory for democracy.
He wrote: “Today’s Appeal Court Judgement is a victory for democracy. Let me say that, I am grateful to God and my people for always standing by me.
I will never take your support for granted.”
