After a nine-month legal battle, Hon. Aaron Uzodike has been sworn in as the Member representing Aba North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly. The ceremony was conducted by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emereuwa.

Uzodike’s inauguration follows a Court of Appeal ruling in Lagos, which declared him the winner of the 2023 House of Assembly election under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) banner. This decision overturned the initial declaration of Destiny Akara Nwagwu as the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on March 11, 2023.

Uzodike had contested the INEC result at the Election Petition Tribunal in Umuahia, but his case was initially dismissed. However, the Court of Appeal ultimately ruled in his favor, paving the way for his swearing-in.

The process has been marked by a contentious battle between the ruling Labour Party and the PDP, with delays attributed to a court injunction and other factors. Despite the Speaker’s initial reservations, citing the lack of an explicit mandate from the Court of Appeal, Uzodike’s inauguration has now been formalized.

With the PDP increasing its representation in the House of Assembly, observers and residents of Abia State anticipate potential shifts in legislative dynamics when the House reconvenes after its scheduled recess.