Tribunal Nullifies Two Wards Election In Makurdi North

THE elections petition tribunal sitting in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, has nullified the election of Makurdi North representative at the Benue State House of Assembly, Mr. Martins Aza. He was elected on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate, Avine Agbum, challenging the election on the grounds of gross electoral malpractices and non-compliance with the Electoral Act during the last election, dragged Aza to the tribunal

The two council wards where elections were nullified on the grounds of irregularities were, Agan and Mbalagh wards where Mr. Agbom in a petition, had prayed the tribunal to invalidate Mr. Aza’s results and declare him the winner of the election.

But delivering judgement in the suit, Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Dipeolu Mosumola said the petitioner had proved his allegations of electoral malpractices beyond all reasonable doubt.

Justice Dipeolu however, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct fresh elections in 20 polling units of Agan council ward and 14 polling units of Mbalagh council ward within 60 days from the date of the judgement to determine the actual winner of the election.