The newly All Progressive Congress (APC) Senator Emmanuel Udende representing Benue Zone A has been ousted by the Benue North-East Senatorial Election Petitions Tribunal. The decision of the tribunal returns Senator Gabriel Suswam of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as the senator elect from the February 2023 election.

Udende was declared winner of the February 25 election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to represent the Benue North-East senatorial Zone.

Suswam, who was dissatisfied with the outcome of the election therefore to the matter to court alleging over-voting, mutilation, cancellation and election malpractices in five out of the seven local government area o the Zone. The matter was presided over by the Chairman of a three-man Tribunal, Justice Ory-Zik Ikeorha.

Due to the allegations, the Tribunal discounted 51,895 votes from Udende’s tally and 21,229 from Suswam’s. A recalculation was done. The final result saw the PDP candidate pulling 90,570 votes to beat Udende of APC who pulled 82, 699 votes.

The counsel to Udende however said he would appeal.

Femi Falana, a Human Right activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) has stated that whatever the decision of the tribunal judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Court, PEPC on the Wednesday, it is not final.

He said this while spéaking on Channels TV’s programme, Politics Today.

According to the SAN, any party who is dissatisfied with the decision of the tribunal on Wednesday could approach the Supreme Court if they so desire.

“I am worried that people give the impression that everything ends with the judgement of the Court of Appeal, the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal. Any party that loses on Wednesday still has the opportunity to appeal to the Supreme Court,” he said.

“Once again, whoever is dissatisfied on Wednesday will have the opportunity to go to the court of appeal. it can be either way, election petition tribunals have delivered judgments in this country and sometimes those who you thought would win later lost, and for me, I want to appeal to Nigerians to allow the due process of law to take its course.”

However, Falana advocated for a change to the electoral laws in the country.

“When the election tribunals are over, we have to go back to the drawing board, and perhaps turn our attention to other African countries.

“For instance, in the majority of African countries, election tribunals are concluded within 14 days, this is an area we have to review. Also, in order to fast track the decision of our Elections Petition Tribunal, we must embrace technology completely.”

A group of senior Gabonese military officers have announced the seizure of power.The officers claimed to represent all of Gabon’s security and defence forces, asserting their authority over the nation.

During their televised address, the officers declared the cancellation of the election results, closed all borders until further notice, and dissolved state institutions.

A group of senior Gabonese military officers have announced the seizure of power.

The officers claimed to represent all of Gabon’s security and defence forces, asserting their authority over the nation.

During their televised address, the officers declared the cancellation of the election results, closed all borders until further notice, and dissolved state institutions.Gunfire could be heard in the capital city, Libreville, as tensions escalated following the officers’ announcement, according to a Reuters reporter.

Speaking on behalf of the Gabonese people, the officers expressed their determination to safeguard peace by bringing an end to the current regime.

According to the military officers, their actions reflect widespread discontent and dissatisfaction with the electoral process and the administration of President Ali Bongo.

President Bongo, the incumbent leader, had emerged victorious in the presidential election, securing a third term with 64.27% of the vote, according to the Gabonese election center.

If successful, the coup would represent the eighth in west and central Africa since 2020.

In July, the military snatched power in Niger, sending shockwaves across the Sahel.

Bongo, 64, succeeded his father Omar as president in 2009.

Source: Daily Post