May 26, (THEWILL) – The senator repressenting Benue North East on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Gabriel Suswam, is challenging the election of Emmanuel Udende of the All Progressives Congress, as senator-elect in the 2023 general election.
He told the tribunal that Udende did not score majority of lawful votes cast and, therefore, the election should be nullified.
Counsel to senator Suswam, Barr. Douglas Pepe, submitted before the tribunal that the election was not conducted in line with the Electoral Act as there were irregularities and the person who won the election was non-existent.
However, Counsel to Emmanuel Udende while opposing the motion, argued that his client won the election with majority of votes cast and urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition as lacking in merit.
On his part, Counsel to APC, Barr Matthew also urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition on ground that the pre-hearing notice filed by the petitioner’s Counsel was premature and therefore, against the law and incompetent.
Counsel to INEC also filed a motion before the tribunal, arguing that the petition did not state the scores of each candidates in the election and should be dismissed.
The tribunal chairman, Justice Ory Zik-Ikeorha, after listening to both parties, announced that ruling on the applications before him will be reserved and Incorporated in the judgement.
He said, pre-hearing has been concluded and hearing of the petition will hold on the 9th and 10th of June, 2023.
