The National/State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal in Benin has upheld the victory of Senator Adams Oshiomhole as the winner of the February 25, 2023, Edo North Senatorial District election in the February 25, 2023.
The tribunal also upheld the election of Hon. Ihonvbere Onozuanvbo Julius of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the member representing Owan Federal Constituency.
The petition, which was filed by a former Senator, Francis Alimikhena, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP), was dismissed by a three-man tribunal led by Justice O.A. Chuioke, on Monday, for lack of merit.
Alimikhena, through his counsel, Rasak Isenalume, Esq had petitioned the former governor of the State, Adams Oshiomhole alongside the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and All Progressives Congress (APC), Suit NO: EPT/ED/SEN/02/2023.
He asked the tribunal to declare null and void the election of the 2nd Respondent, Oshiomhole, over non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022 as required by Law and declare him winner of the election.
He also urged the tribunal to nullify the election of the former APC National Chairman on the alleged ground of non-transmission of election results through the use of BVAS machine to IREV Portal.
Delivering the unanimous judgment on behalf of the tribunal Chairman, Justice Alero Akeredolu, held that the petitioners failed to substantiate their claims and did not produce relevant documents to support allegations of non-compliance.
Similarly, a separate petition against Hon. Ihonvbere and the APC, filed by Jimoh Iruokhaime Ijiegbai Ojeiu and the PDP, was also dismissed due to the inability to prove allegations.
The tribunal also agreed with the argument of the lead counsel to Ihonvbere Mr Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), that Ojeiu’s petition failed in its entirety.
READ OTHER STORIES:
Rivers Police Arrest Officers Who Allegedly Assaulted Lady In Now-Viral Video
FG Earns N1.53tn As Taxes From Foreign, Local Companies
There Is No Room For Vandalism – Sanwo-Olu Says After Inaugurating Lagos Blue Line Rail
Fuel Subsidy: 500,000 Households To Receive Palliatives From Lagos Government
Headies 2023: Nigerians React As Rema Beats Burna Boy, Emerges African Artiste Of The Year