Connect with us

FEATURED

Election Petition Tribunal Dismisses APC’s Ekpoto Case Against PDP’s Ereyitomi, Citing Lack Of Merit

Published

on

Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi





The National Assembly and State Election Petition Tribunal, convened in Asaba on Saturday, delivered a verdict dismissing the case filed by Ekpoto Ekpoto Emmanuel of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

The petitioner had challenged the election of the Warri Federal Constituency House of Representatives member, Rt. Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, who ran on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 28, 2023 General Election.

Leading the three-member tribunal panel, Justice Catherine Ogunsola announced the judgement, stating that the petitioner’s case lacked merit.

Advertisement

Furthermore, she emphasized that the petitioner had failed to substantiate their claims beyond reasonable doubt. Notably, the evidence presented by the petitioner was deemed inadmissible under the law.

The tribunal judges emphasized that the petitioner failed to provide evidence at the unit and ward levels to establish any electoral malpractice.

They further pointed out that the petitioner’s pleadings did not effectively demonstrate the alleged irregularities in the election.

Advertisement

According to the Tribunal Judges “The Petitioners failed to call evidence unit by unit and ward by ward to establish malpractice in the election.

“The Petitioner in his pleadings did not demonstrate the discrepancy between the number of accredited voters, the lawful votes cast and how it affected the outcome of the election. Attempt to do this in his Written Address was of no moment.

“The alleged forgery of the 3rd Respondent’s NECO was not established as there is was disclaimer from the issuing authority. Besides, no mean could be inferred.”

Advertisement

Each and every relief in the petition as well as the petition itself were dismissed with cost of five hundred thousand naira (N500,000) against the petitioner in favour of the 2nd and 3rd Respondents.

Speaking to journalists, Counsel to the lawmaker, Robinson Arhiyo said: “It is victory for democracy and for the electorate, who voted massively for Rt. Hon. Thomas Ereyintomi during the election.”

INEC, on March 2, declared Thomas Ereyintomi, winner of the election having scored 20,155 votes to defeat his closest opponent Omatseye Young Piero of the Labour Party (LP), who pulled 9, 491 votes.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Click to comment
FEATURED12 hours ago

Capsized Naval Boat Drowns 6 in Delta, As Rescue Continues for 3 Missing

FEATURED23 hours ago

Chant of ‘No Objections’ Deafens Public Hearing on Anioma State Creation

FEATURED23 hours ago

South-South APC Backs Tinubu’s 2027 Bid as Sole Candidate, Endorse APC Govs in Major Political Scheme

FEATURED1 day ago

FBI Goes After Lagos-based Man Who Allegedly Diverted Trump’s 2025 Inauguration Fund of N460 Million

COMMUNITY REPORT2 days ago

Historic 71-Year Campaign for Anioma State Gains Momentum at Public Hearing as Delta North Monarchs Urge Justice and Action

COMMUNITY REPORT2 days ago

Isoko South Chair Urges Trainees of ‘More Cap-Up’ Scheme to Make Judicious Use of Starter Packs

FEATURED2 days ago

Constitutional Review: Stakeholders Unanimously Demand, Submit Memoranda for Creation of Anioma State from Delta

FEATURED2 days ago

Wike Bombs Amaechi, Accuses His Wife of Fleecing NDDC Funds, Calls Tinubu to Release Forensic Audit Report

Delta Politician
COMMUNITY REPORT2 days ago

NUJ Warri Lauds Tompolo, Other Benefactors, Tasks Delta Govt on Eburu Street Road Repair

OPINION3 days ago

ANIOMA STATE CREATION: ANOTHER FEATHER IN NWOKO’s CAP

FEATURED3 days ago

Chevron’s Boss Calls for Pragmatic Approach to the Future of Energy at NOG 2025

FEATURED3 days ago

DELTA CENTRAL 2027: WHAT URHOBO NATION NEEDS IS A SMART AND WORKING SENATOR, NOT AN OKPE-SLOT FILLER

FEATURED3 days ago

NEPC Forthcoming Promotion Exam: No Breach of Civil Service Rules – Official Dismisses Report of Nepotism

ENTERTAINMENT3 days ago

CEO of Rero TV Announces 5th Anniversary Celebration for Sapele

FEATURED3 days ago

Suspected Cultists Arrested as Police Recover Pistol, Stolen Vehicle in Delta

Advertisement
Advertisement