Obaseki remains Edo Governor says Election Tribunal
The Edo State Election Petition Tribunal has dismissed the suit filed
by the People’s Democratic Party, PDP and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu
challenging the victory of Mr Godwin Obaseki and the All Progressives
Congress, APC in the September 28, governorship poll in the state.
Pastor Ize-Iyamu had prayed the tribunal to declare him winner of the
election stating that error of non-accreditation, over voting, improper
ballot voting and other anomalies marred the electoral process.
The Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Ahmed Badamusi in his judgement
which lasted for two hours and ten minutes said, the PDP and Ize-Iyamu
were unable to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the election was
indeed marred by irregularities whereas the respondents have been able
to prove the conduct of the poll was credible.
Justice Badamusi added that the tribunal had carefully examined the
various claims raised by the petitioners and the respondents whether or
not they fall within the ambient of the law. He said the counsels to the
PDP were able to prove that Osagie Ize-Iyamu whose name appeared in the
Independent National Electoral Commission’s form was same person as
Pastor Andrew Osagie Ize-Iyamu who was the second petitioner.
Justice Badamusi further explained that Ize-Iyamu and the PDP were
unable to back their claim with evidence that there were corrupt
practices, forgery, fraud and unauthorized results in Owan East local
government area, ward 1 to 11 during the election stating that no
witnesses were presented. Also, he said the petitioners have not been
able to prove their case because issues of non accreditation, voters
register, ballot paper irregularities were at the administrative
directive of the INEC.
He further explained that the petitioners didn’t show legal documents
representing any of their earlier demonstrated claim of excess voting.
Again, the tribunal said there were no law against inducing voters and
as such it was out of place for the petitioners to be declared winner of
the election based on that. Justice Badamusi then said the petitioners
presented frail witnesses who didnt help their case without evidence to
pursue their case and as such the suit was dismissed.- The Authority
No comments