At the venue of the Abia Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal at the Federal High Court, Umuahia, a substantial security presence has been established. The tribunal is scheduled to deliver its judgment today in response to petitions filed by Okey Ahiwe, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, and his All Progressives Congress (APC) counterpart, Ikechi Emenike, contesting the victory of Governor Alex Otti from the Labour Party (LP).

Security screening, conducted by a combined team of security operatives, was mandatory for everyone, including reporters, accessing the court premises. Subsequent to the screening, the tribunal judges entered the courtroom, where counsels for the involved parties announced their appearances, and initial formalities were observed.

Contrary to reports suggesting litigants were advised against being present in court, the tribunal Chairman dismissed such claims as false. Prominent figures from the Labour Party, including Ceekay Igara and Hon Ginger Onwusibe, representing Isiala Ngwa North and Isiala Ngwa South federal constituency, were observed in the courtroom. Additionally, PDP leaders, such as former Commissioner for Sports, Barrister Esomonu Ugochukwu, were present.

Further details will be provided later.