Tribunal upholds Sen. Moro’s victory

The National, State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in Makurdi, has upheld the victory of Sen. Abba Moro of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Feb. 25, Benue South Senatorial election.

Delivering judgment on Sunday, Chairman of the panel, Ory’zik Ikeorha, said the petitioners, Daniel Onjeh and the All Progressives Congress (APC) failed to prove their case.

Justice Ikeorha said the 17 witnesses called by the petitioner and documents tendered do not help his case.

According to her, the evidence were not cogent and compelling  to prove his allegations of non compliance to the electoral Act.

She said the evidence of the petitioners were porous, full of emotions, adding that such pleadings are not enough to sustain his case and it is hereby dismissed.

“Reliefs sought are hereby refused. The petition stands dismissed in entirety,” she said.

She said that the election of Moro is affirmed and there is no order as to cost.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports  that  Onjeh and the APC had dragged Sen Moro, PDP and INEC before the tribunal challenging his return as the winner of the Benue South Senatorial election.

The petitioner averred that the respondent was not qualified to contest, not elected by majority of the lawful votes casts and the election did not complied with the Electoral Act.

The petitioner also challenged the results of about 700 polling units out of the 729 polling units in the senatorial district on grounds of several irregularities.

He also tendered all the results sheets of the polling units in the 9 LGAs to support his case.

However, the respondent, raised objection as to the competence of the petition, the objection were dismissed and the petition was heard on its merit.

Speaking to journalists after the judgement, Counsel to the petitioner, Adetunji Oso, Esq, said they were dissatisfied with the judgement and would appeal.