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Tribunal voids
Senator’s election
From Ralph Okhiria, Benin
The
first Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Benin City, Edo State
has nullified the election of Senator Ehigie Edobo Uzamere of the
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing Edo South Senatorial
district in the Senator.
In a lead judgement delivered by a member of the tribunal, Justice
O. Ogbuinya declared that the senatorial election held on April 21,
2007 was marred with irregularities.
The tribunal stated that although the respondent, Senator Ehigie
Uzamere scored highest lawful votes in the election but the election
was characterised by malpractices, which were inimical to the
Electoral Acts.
The tribunal therefore nullified the election and ordered the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh
election in Edo South Senatorial district within 90 days.
The Action Congress (AC) candidate in the Edo South Senatorial
District, Mr. Matthew Urhoghide had challenged the victory of
Senator Uzamere in the April 21, 2007 election at the Election
Petitions Tribunal.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal has upheld the
election of Senator Yisah Braimoh of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),
as the duly elected Senator representing Edo North Senatorial
district.
In its judgment, Justice Mortar Joshua declared that the petitioner,
Dr. Tunde Lakoju, could prove his case beyond reasonable doubt.
Justice Mukar also averred that the petitioner did not prove his
case beyond reasonable doubt that with the Electoral Acts adversely
affected the election.
Dr. Tunde Lakoju of the Action Congress had claimed in his petition
that Senator Yisah Braimoh was not duly elected and his return
certificate should be set aside.
Reacting to the judgement, Senator Braimoh who expressed happiness
to God for the victory said “apart from the fact that I believe very
firmly that the April 21st 2007 MANDATE that was freely given to me
by the entire Afemai people of Edo North Senatorial District could
not be wished away at the doorstep of any tribunal, the judgement of
the Tribunal itself is a vindication of the wish of the entire
people of the Edo North Senatorial district”.
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