BENUE: Tribunal throws out Jime’s petition seeking nullification of Ortom’s re-election

The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, Monday affirmed the election of Governor Samuel Ortom of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Emmanuel Jime of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had filed a petition seeking the nullification of Ortom’s election on the grounds of substantial noncompliance with the provisions of Electoral Act, 2010 as amended.

Also joined in the petition were PDP and the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC).

Jime had claimed in his petition that Ortom was not duly elected by majority of lawful votes cast, saying that the polls were marred by irregularities and over voting.

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He had asked the tribunal to either declare him winner of the March 2019 governorship election in Benue or nullify Ortom’s election and order the conduct of a fresh election in the state.

The tribunal, however, nullified Jime’s case for failing to prove it beyond reasonable doubt.

Reading the judgment on Monday evening, Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Henry Olusiyi, said Jime’s request for nullification of Ortom’s election lacked merit and “is hereby dismissed outrightly.”

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