Edo Tribunal strikes out 2 petitions

The Legislative Election Petitions Tribunal for Edo, Monday, in Benin upheld the election of Mr Nosayaba Okunbor of the APC representing Orhionmwon East constituency in the state House of Assembly.

In its judgment, the three-member-tribunal dismissed the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party and its candidate in the State Assembly election, Mr Martins Erhabor against Okunbor for lacking merit.

Justice E.O Abua, who read the lead judgment, held that the evidences of the witnesses called by the petitioners were hearsay and not reliable.

He held that the claim by the petitioners that the election was not conducted in compliance with the electoral act was not substantiated.

The tribunal in another judgment also upheld the election of Mr Igbas Ezehi, of the PDP representing Esan North East 1 in the state assembly.

The tribunal struck out the petition filed by the APC and its candidate Mr Martins Erhabor also for lack of merit.

Specifically, the tribunal held that there was no evidence to prove allegation of electoral malpractice as alleged by the petitioners.

The tribunal awarded N50,000 cost against the petitioners.