There is a heavy security presence at the premises of the Federal High Court, Umuahia, the venue for the sitting of the Abia Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal.

Everybody, including reporters accessing the court premises, was subjected to screening by a combined team of security operatives.

After the screening, the tribunal judges entered the courtroom, and the counsels to the various parties announced their appearances, and the initial formalities were done.

However, the tribunal Chairman refuted reports that the litigants were told not to be in court, dismissing such reports as false.

Labour Party Chairman in the state, Ceekay Igara and a member representing Isiala Ngwa North and Isiala Ngwa South federal constituency, Hon Ginger Onwusibe (LP), among others, were sighted in the courtroom.

Also, PDP chieftains, including the former Commissioner for Sports, Barrister Esomonu Ugochukwu, were also sighted in the court.