From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The National and State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Benin, yesterday, upheld the election of Neda Imasuen of the Labour Party as the Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District.
The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen and his party, had through suit no EPT/ED/SEN/03/2023 approached the tribunal on five grounds to challenge Imasuen’s victory in the February 25 election.
The grounds sought for the nullification of Imasuen’s election were non qualification, over-voting, corrupt practice, non-compliance with the electoral act by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the nomination of the 1st respondent by the LP.
The Tribunal in its judgement read by Justice Yusuf Ubale Mohammed, dismissed the petition for lack of merit and incompetent, pointing out that the petitioners failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Imasuen was not qualified to participate in the election.
Besides, it held that the allegations of non qualification, party nomination or sponsorship for an election were pre-election matters that can only be entertained by a Federal High Court, adding that Iduoriyekemwen and his party, PDP, also failed to prove that the Senator did not score the majority of valid votes in the election.
The Tribunal further held that the petitioners were unable to prove the case of non-compliance with the electoral act and irregularities mentioned during the election.
Earlier while ruling on a motion on notice filed by the Respondents, the tribunal dismissed the petition on the ground that it was not properly signed.
Reacting to the court verdict, Senator Imasuen while dedicating his victory to the people of Edo, commended the tribunal for its courage to interpret the law as it should be and for also standing for the truth of the justice.
“I am grateful to God and the people of my constituency for standing by me through this difficult period. I will never take their efforts for granted and I will reciprocate by serving them well. It is unfortunate that my opponent had to go to court but the tribunal’s verdict has validated my victory at the polls.
“I must commend the tribunal for holding to justice and ensuring that our victory at the poll is upheld,” Senator Imasuen added.