The Court of Appeal in Lagos has upheld Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive’s victory as the representative for Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives.
Initially, the lower court had invalidated Waive’s election due to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) failure to publish his educational qualifications on its portal, as required by law. However, the Court of Appeal reversed the decision of the lower court, stating that the non-publication of Waive’s qualifications did not warrant disqualification.
Furthermore, the Court affirmed that Waive, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had obtained the highest number of valid votes cast in the constituency, thereby validating his victory in the polls.
In a statement, Waive expressed gratitude to God and his constituents for their support and confidence in him. He also commended the justices of the Court of Appeal for restoring justice and faith in the judiciary.
“I am forever grateful to God Almighty for the privilege to serve my people. I appreciate the entire people of Ughelli North Ughelli South Udu Federal Constituency for their massive support. I commend the Justices of the Court of Appeal for restoring justice and faith in our judiciary by ensuring that an ordinary citizen without money and connections gets fair hearing and judgment,” he said.