A Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, witness, Andrew Uwanta, has told the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal for Akwa Ibom State that the April 11 governorship election in Etinan Local Government Area of the state was free and fair. Uwanta, a pastor based in Etinan, gave evidence in Abuja, during cross examination by the APC counsel, Mr Solomon Umoh, SAN.

He said that the election was conducted in a free, fair and peaceful manner. The witness told the tribunal that he was the collation agent of PDP in Etinan council.

“My lord, Etinan had 11 electoral wards and PDP had collation agents in all the wards and the election was conducted peacefully. Other party agents were present during the collation, including security personnel.

“There was no issue of hijacking of election materials, except for Etinam Urban Ward II result, that came late around 10:30 p.m., and the results were signed by Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and PDP agents,” he said.

The APC candidate, Umana Okon Umana had dragged Governor Udom Emmanuel  to the tribunal, seeking the nullification of the April 11 governorship election. At the resumed hearing in the case, the PDP had presented three witnesses to testify before the tribunal.

Among them were Mr Chris Okoriya and one Anthony Ekpenyong. Both witnesses testified that the election was conducted under a peaceful atmosphere.