The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Asaba, Delta State, has ordered a rerun in 48 polling units in the Delta Central Senatorial District. The order comes as a result of a petition filed by the senatorial candidate of the PDP, Chief Ighoyota Amori, alleging that the election did not meet electoral act and constitutional requirements. The tribunal dismissed some prayers in the petition but found that the senator failed to disprove the allegations of electoral malpractices.
Lagos, September 13th, 2023 - The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Asaba, Delta State, on Tuesday 12, September, 2023, ordered the removal of Chief Ede Dafinone as Senator of Delta Central Senatorial District. The tribunal also directed a rerun in 48 polling units spread across four local government areas of the district due to allegations of electoral malpractices.
The judgement was delivered by Justice W. I. Kpochi in a petition marked EPT/DT/Sen/2023 filed by the senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Ighoyota Amori. While dismissing some of the prayers in the petition, the tribunal found that the incumbent senator failed to disprove the allegations made against him.
According to the Kpochi-led panel, the witnesses presented by the second respondent, Chief Ede Dafinone, were unable to provide sufficient proof to counter the claims that the election did not meet electoral act and constitutional requirements. The tribunal also concluded that the allegations of electoral malpractices made by the petitioner could not be disproven by the respondent.
The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal ruled that the victory of Senator Ede Dafinone should be declared null, void, and of no consequence. In addition, the tribunal ordered a rerun in the 48 polling units located in Sapele, Okpe, Udu, and Ughelli North local government areas. The rerun is necessary to ensure a fair and credible election in these areas.
This judgement signifies the tribunal's commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring that electoral processes meet the required standards. By ordering a rerun, the tribunal aims to rectify any irregularities and provide the electorate of Delta Central Senatorial District with a fair opportunity to choose their representative.
Going forward, both the petitioner and the respondent will have the opportunity to contest the senatorial election once again in the affected polling units. The rerun will give the voters a chance to exercise their democratic rights and have their voices heard.
The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal's decision serves as a reminder that electoral integrity is paramount in a democratic society. All participants in the electoral process must adhere to the electoral act and constitutional requirements to ensure a free, fair, and transparent election.
Delta Central Senatorial District is now set to witness a fresh round of campaigns and election activities as the rerun date will be announced in due course. The voters will have the opportunity to evaluate the performance and promises of the candidates and make an informed choice.
As this chapter of the Delta Central Senatorial District election unfolds, it is important to remember the significance of active participation in the democratic process. By exercising our right to vote and holding our elected representatives accountable, we contribute to the development and progress of our society.
The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal's decision in the Delta Central Senatorial District case further emphasizes the pivotal role of the judiciary in upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
Let us all eagerly anticipate the rerun and demonstrate our commitment to democracy by casting our votes in support of the candidate we believe will best represent our interests and aspirations.
Source of content: OOO News 2023-09-13 News
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