Tribunal Upholds Election of Edo Senator, Imasuen

In the Benin sitting, the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal has affirmed the election of Senator Neda Imasuen of the Labour Party for the Edo South seat of the National Assembly.

Mr. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with his party, had approached the tribunal with petition no EPT/ED/SEN/03/2023 to challenge Imasuen’s victory in the February 25th election.

The petitioners sought the nullification of Imasuen’s victory on four grounds, which included alleged 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.

However, the three-member panel, led by Justice Yusuf Mohammed, dismissed the petition, ruling that it lacked merit and competence.

During the over three-hour judgment, Justice Mohammed stated that the petitioners failed to provide sufficient evidence that Imasuen was not qualified to participate in the election.

The tribunal concluded that allegations of non-qualification, party nomination, or sponsorship for an election were pre-election matters that should be addressed in a Federal High Court.

The judge also stated that Iduoriyekemwen and his party failed to prove that the senator did not obtain the majority of valid votes in the election.

Furthermore, the judge held that the petitioners were unable to substantiate their claims of non-compliance with the Electoral Act and irregularities during the election.

In response, Imasuen dedicated the victory to the people of Edo and commended the tribunal for its courageous interpretation of the law and commitment to justice.

Earlier, the tribunal had dismissed the petition filed by Valentine Asuen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo South.

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