Enugu – The Court of Appeal in Enugu has reserved judgment for Wednesday in the election petition filed by Prof. Dora Akunyili challenging the election of Sen. Chris Ngige.

Akunyili, of APGA, on Nov. 4 filed an appeal challenging the verdict of the election petition tribunal which dismissed her petition.

In their separate submissions, Counsel to Ngige, Mr Emeka Ngige (SAN), and INEC, Mr Obiora Nnadi, urged the court to strike out the appeal on the grounds that the period for such electoral matter had elapsed, in line with the Electoral Act.

Reacting to the submissions in an interview with newsmen, Counsel to Akunyili, Mr Obiora Obianwu (SAN), described it as a misconception.

He said the other counsel were misinterpreting the Supreme Court judgement, adding that “time does not run when a petition goes on appeal”.

“Once a petition is struck out, it ceases to exist until it is revived by the Court of Appeal. What is left is for the court to determine who is right or wrong.”

The election tribunal in Awka in October struck out Akunyili’s petition on the grounds that it was filed out of time. (NAN)