ABUBAKAR DATTI YAHAYA, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This appeal has emanated from the Ruling of the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, Owerri, delivered on 26th February 2021 in Petition No. EPT/OW/SEN/1/2020 — YOUNG PROGRESSIVE PARTY (YPP) v. ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC) and 3 OTHERS.
The 3rd Respondent herein, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), conducted a bye election for the Imo North Senatorial District on the 5th December 2020. Being dissatisfied with the result of the said election the 1st Respondent herein (YPP), presented a Petition to the Election Petition Tribunal Owerri, praying that the 2nd Respondent herein (APC), 4th Respondent herein (Chukwuma Francis Ibezim) and the Appellant herein (Senator Ifeanyi Godwin Ararume) were not qualified to contest the said election. On issue of service, the Election Petition Tribunal made an Order for substituted service of the Petition and other processes on the APC and Senator Ifeanyi Godwin Ar…