Tribunal Returns Suswam in Benue North East Senatorial Election
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George Okoh in Makurdi
The Benue State Election Tribunal has declared Senator Gabriel Suswam of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the 25 February Senatorial election in the Benue North East Senatorial District.
The tribunal ruled that Suswam scored majority of lawful votes.
Suswam the former Governor of Benue State contesting the return of Udende as Senator for Benue North East District on grounds that the latter did not score majority of lawful votes during the 25th February election.
In the majority judgment, Chairman of the panel, Honourable Justice Ory Zik-Ikeorha, and other two members held that Suswam and PDP have fulfilled the requirement of the law in proving their case of irregularities such as mutilation, non-signing of documents, non – inclusion of lawful votes among others.
Reacting to the judgment in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary Bemgba Iortyom, the Peoples' Democratic Party, PDP hailed the tribunal for delivering substantial justice in the petition based on the facts and evidence rendered before in line with extant electoral laws, guidelines and regulations, thereby boosting public confidence in the judiciary.
The party said the victory of Senator Suswam serves to heighten the hopes that PDP will likewise reclaim the governorship of the state at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal through the judgment being awaited.
“The party rejoices over the victory won particularly as it re-establishes its dominance in the upper chamber membership composition of the National Assembly in the state with two Senators out of three.
“Furthermore, the party is confident that the former Benue State Governor will deploy his wealth of experience and proven pedigree in the 9th Senate, to get back seamlessly into the business of lawmaking in the 10th Senate for the good of his constituents, the party and Nigeria at large”, the statement read.
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