The National/State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Benin has delivered its verdict, confirming the victories of Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Rep Ihonvbere Julius in the February 25 Edo North Senatorial District election and Owan Federal Constituency, respectively.
News About Nigeria gathered that the tribunal, led by Justice O.A. Chuioke, dismissed the petition filed by former Senator Francis Alimikhena of the PDP against Sen. Oshiomhole, INEC, and the APC for lack of merit.
Alimikhena had sought to nullify Oshiomhole’s election, alleging non-compliance with the Electoral Act and non-transmission of election results via BIVAS machine to IREV Portal.
Delivering the unanimous judgement, Justice Alero Akeredolu held that the petitioners failed to prove their case and did not provide relevant documents to substantiate their claims of non-compliance. Consequently, the tribunal dismissed the petition against Oshiomhole.
In response to the judgement, Rasak Isenalume, counsel to the petitioners, acknowledged the tribunal’s decision, stating that the case had been dismissed with reasons.
Representing Sen. Oshiomhole, Mr. Famous Osawaru expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasising that the petitioners failed to establish non-compliance, and the judges comprehensively covered all aspects of the case.
The tribunal also dismissed the petition filed by Jimoh Iruokhaime Ijiegbai Ojeiu and the PDP against the declaration of Ihonvbere as the winner of the Owan Federal Constituency.
The tribunal agreed with the argument presented by Ihonvbere’s lead counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), that Ojeiu’s petition lacked merit.
Rasak Isenalume, counsel to the 1st petitioners, expressed readiness to await further instructions from their clients, acknowledging the tribunal’s decision.
Also, Famous Osawaru, counsel to Ihonvbere, praised the judgement as a victory for the people of Owan Federal Constituency and commended its meticulous delivery.
Victor Asumwan, counsel to the APC, welcomed the judgement and highlighted that the tribunal reaffirmed the electorate’s decision in Owan East and West Constituency in favour of the APC.
