Nigeria’s Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, sighs relief after election tribunal victories this week.

Kalu survived not one but two bullets as the tribunal tossed out separate petitions aimed at undoing his February 25 election win.

First up was Labour Party challenger Frank Chinasa, who claimed Kalu’s name inconsistencies should disqualify his candidacy. But the three-judge tribunal gave a big “no can do” on Thursday, ruling Kalu did his due diligence in clearing up any name confusion.

That dismissal set the table for a Friday ruling rejecting a petition from Action Alliance candidate Igbokwe. With Igbokwe now opting not to contest the will of voters, Kalu has survived the legal gauntlet.

In a statement, Kalu’s Chief Press Secretary Levinus Nwabughiogu said the Deputy Speaker was pleased the AA candidate accepted the will of voters.

With the petitions crushed, Kalu will serve another term, repping Bende Federal Constituency.