The National Assembly Elections Petitions Tribunal sitting in Enugu has upheld the election of Sen. Osita Ngwu of the Peoples Democratic Party for Enugu West Senatorial District.Ngwu, popularly called RG, was returned by INEC as the winner of the February 25 poll. His election was, however, challenged at the tribunal by Chief Oguerinwa Amadi of the Labour Party.
But in a judgment, the tribunal, led by Justice A.M. Abubakar, held that the petitioner committed “a fatal error” in presenting his case by merging allegations of non-compliance with the Electoral Act and corrupt practices.
The tribunal further held that the petitioner should have separated the two cases and particularised his facts to support both positions.
On the allegation of over-voting, the tribunal ruled that the petitioner could not particularise his pleadings, despite bringing witnesses that gave evidence on the allegation as well as ballot papers.
It concluded that the ballot papers were dumped on the court with no evidence showing where they emanated from.
It, therefore, affirmed Ngwu as duly elected, saying that the petitioner failed to prove his case beyond reasonable doubt. (NAN)
