The National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, Panel One, sitting in Makurdi, has concluded its proceedings by delivering judgments on the remaining election petitions on its docket.
The panel, led by Justice Ory Zik-Ikeorha and consisting of Justice Usman Mohammed and Honourable Justice Saliu Zubayr, has diligently rendered judgments on each of the respective petitions.
Deputy Speaker’s Election Upheld
One of the significant decisions reached by the tribunal was to uphold the election of Honourable Danladi Lamin, the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate and Deputy Speaker of the Benue State Assembly. The petitioners, Hon. Agnes Uloko and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had challenged Lamin’s eligibility for the election and alleged irregularities during the electoral process. However, the tribunal ruled in favour of Lamin, stating that the petitioners failed to substantiate their claims.
Other Election Verdicts
The tribunal also affirmed the victory of APC candidate Hon. Agada Awuchi in the Ogbadibo State Constituency election. In delivering the lead judgment, Justice Usman Mohammed emphasised that the petitioners, Hon. Patrick Enemari and the PDP, did not provide sufficient evidence of election malpractices. The petitioners were ordered to pay a cost of N150,000 to the respondents, Awuchi, APC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Barrister C. N. Patrick, representing Awuchi, expressed satisfaction with the tribunal’s decision, stating that the petitioners failed to convincingly present their case by submitting documents without any witnesses for validation.
Furthermore, the tribunal dismissed the petition filed by Arch Eric Adokwu and the APC against Hon. Ochekliye Isaac of the PDP for Ohimini State Constituency due to a lack of merit. Similarly, Hon. Terkimbi Adeiyongu of the PDP lost his petition against Hon. Emmanuel Shimawua of the APC and INEC for Kyan State Constituency. Additionally, Arch Elijah Anayagher of the PDP lost his petition against Simon Gabo, APC, and INEC for Mata State Constituency.
Except for the petition related to Mata State Constituency, all other petitioners were directed to pay a sum of N150,000 to the respondents as costs.
