The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State has upheld the election of Martins Esin of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the member representing Oron/Mbo/Okobo/Udung Uko/Urueoffong Oruko Federal Constituency.
Recall that Mr. Robinson Edumoh and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) had dragged Esin to the tribunal challenging his victory with allegations of over-voting, non-transmission of results electronically, widespread irregularities and non-compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act.
Delivering judgment on Friday, the Tribunal Judge, Justice Kudirat Jose held that the petitioner could not prove any of his allegations.
On the allegation of overvoting, the tribunal held that the petitioner merely made the allegation without an attempt to prove it.
It held that the burden of proof was on the petitioner and he could not by law shift same to the Respondent.
Citing relevant provisions of the Electoral Act and deciding cases, the tribunal said the law did not make electronic transmission of election results mandatory.
It said the petitioner could not prove that results announced at the Local Government collation centres were different from those announced at the polling units.
It accordingly dismissed the petition and declared Martins Esin validly elected.
