Election Tribunal sitting in the state capital, Lokoja, has issued a verdict that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape. On Tuesday, the tribunal made the historic decision to sack Senator Jibrin Isah, the incumbent Senate Committee Chairman on Customs, Excise, and Tariffs.
The basis for this landmark ruling stems from the cancellation of elections in a staggering 94 polling units within the senatorial district. This development led to a legal challenge by Victor Adoji, the candidate representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Mr. Adoji, through his legal representative Johnson Usman (SAN), argued that the election results should be nullified due to the significant irregularity of elections being canceled in polling units where the number of canceled votes exceeded the margin of victory.
In a unanimous verdict, the tribunal chairman, Justice K.A. Orjiako, upheld the arguments put forth by Mr. Usman. The tribunal declared Senator Isah's victory null and void and ordered the withdrawal of his certificate of return.
Justice Orjiako stated, "Since the PVCs collected in the 94 polling units are 59,730, and the margin of victory is 26,922 votes, the Returning Officer ought to have declared the election inconclusive without making a return."
Furthermore, the tribunal ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a supplementary election in the 94 affected polling units. This decision aims to ensure that the rightful winner of the senatorial seat is determined through a fair and transparent electoral process.
The repercussions of this decision are expected to have far-reaching implications on the political landscape in the state. As Senator Isah's victory is overturned, the citizens and political observers eagerly await the forthcoming supplementary election, which will play a pivotal role in shaping the representation of the senatorial district.
