#electionpetitions

Contact Details: +91 98109 29455 [email protected] 

The National Assembly election petitions tribunal sitting in Uyo has upheld the election of Christopher Ekpenyong who represents Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District. Delivering judgment, the chairman of the three-member panel, W.O. Akanbi, held that Ekpenyong, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was duly elected by majority votes cast during the February 23, 2019, senatorial election. However, one out of the three judges ruled contrary to his two colleagues in the panel. The panel through a majority decision dismissed the petition filed by Godswill Akpabio of the All Progressives Congress (APC), challenging the declaration of Ekpenyong by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the winner of the said election. Describing the petition as “lacking merit”, the panel noted that the petitioner failed to prove that he won the said election as well as failed to present convincing evidence of noncompliance to Electoral Act as raised in his petition. Akpabio had alleged that INEC, in collaboration with some PDP chieftains in the senatorial district, wrongfully declared Ekpeyong and his party, the PDP, winner of the poll, having scored 118,215 as against Mr Akpabio’s 83,158. He said result sheets from Akwa Ibom INEC office showed different figures that had him (Akpabio) securing 138,256 votes as against Ekpeyong’s 123,843. Read the full article

The Governorship, National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal in Sokoto has dismissed the petition of Abdussamad Dasuki challenging the incumbent member, Alhaji Bala Kokani. Kokani of All Progressive Congress (APC) defeated Dasuki of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2019 election for Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency in Sokoto state. Dasuki through his Counsel Garba Tetengi, SAN, led six witnesses to prove alleged electoral malpractice, voters’ intimidation, violence and non compliance with electoral laws. Counsel to Kokani, Solomon Alimasunya, and that of APC, Nuhu Adamu led one witness and denied all the allegations on behalf of Respondents. Delivering judgement on Wednesday in Sokoto, the Tribunal Chairman, Justice Yusuf Muhammad-Ubale said the petitioner had failed to prove his case as to warrant judgement in his favour. Muhammad-Ubale said the witnesses presented by the petitioner could not relate the happenings and admitted exhibits during their testimonies. He said persons that physically witnessed the actions ought to be led in evidence as well as actors, when possible, however, in the instant case petitioner led witnesses with “hearsay”. Justice Muhammad-Ubale said argument on educational qualification of Kakani was withdrawn and accordingly dismissed as well as objection raised by the petitioner on certain documents. The judge dismissed the petition, and did not award cost to any of the parties. Dasuki had approached the tribunal to challenge the return of Kokani on the grounds that the election was marred with irregularities. Speaking to newsmen after judgement, Kokani thanked Allah for victory and urged his supporters to remain calm and support APC government policies. Meanwhile, the tribunal has upheld the election of Alhaji Ibrahim Al-Mustapha, member representing Wurno/Raba Federal Constituency in Sokoto state. Al-Mustapha a first timer who contested under the umbrella of All Progressives Congress defeated Alhaji Kabiru Marafa-Achida of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Marafa-Achida, who represented the constituency for third terms, lost his fourth term bid to Al-Mustapha. The Tribunal Chairman, Muhammad-Ubale said the petitioner failed to prove his case beyond reasonable doubt and in accordance with the law. Read the full article

Thanks to everyone who came out to sign our #Democratic #electionpetitions for #pasuperiorcourt, #centrecountypa #commissioners: @pipehiggins2019; #rowofficers: @jasonmmoser, #scottsayers, #GeorgieBennett, #ColleenKennedy, #JeremyBreon; #bellefonteborough: @tostivasey & @ginamthompson & for #bennertownshippa (at Sunny Days Adult Daily Living Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/Buhh8jHnAm4VFqbskqoT_zgYs1UlChzLWB7tYE0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=rm8i4lz8nszs