Sen. Neda Imasuen of the Labour Party was confirmed as the new representative for Edo South by the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in Benin.
Mr. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the PDP filed petition no. EPT/ED/SEN/03/2023 with the tribunal, contesting Imasuen’s win in the senate election held on February 25.
Alleged non-qualification, over-voting, corrupt practise, INEC’s failure to comply with the Electoral Act, and the nomination of the 1st respondent by the LP were the four grounds on which the petitioners had asked the tribunal to overturn Imasuen’s victory.
However, the three-person panel chaired by Justice Yusuf Mohammed ruled that the petition was without substance and found the petitioners to be incompetent.
The petitioners failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Imasuen was not qualified to vote, according to Justice Mohammed’s three-hour-long ruling.
The tribunal decided that complaints about candidates’ eligibility, party nomination, or sponsorship may only be heard by a Federal High Court before an election.
He continued, saying the senator received a majority of the legal votes cast in the election, and that Iduoriyekemwen and his party had failed to prove otherwise.
The judge ruled that the petitioners did not present sufficient evidence to support their claims of election irregularities and noncompliance with the Electoral Act.
Upon hearing the verdict, Imasuen praised the tribunal for its brave interpretation of the law and its unwavering stance in favour of justice, and he credited the people of Edo for helping him achieve it.
The suit brought by Valentine Asuen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo South was previously dismissed by the tribunal.
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