Benue Deputy Governor’s counsel dismisses PDP’s election petition

Chief Mike Mamman Osuman (SAN), the lead counsel representing Benue State Deputy Governor, Samuel Ode, at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Makurdi, has strongly rejected the Benue Governorship Election petition filed by Titus Uba of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Osuman, speaking to reporters after the conclusion of arguments, characterized the petition as “pedestrian” and lacking in substantial evidence.

He reiterated, “What was before the court was a lousy petition, devoid of probative evidence. We have presented our response comprehensively.” Osuman expressed confidence in the impartiality of the tribunal judges and their commitment to justice. He emphasized that the elected political leadership in Benue State, including the governor and deputy governor, would continue to fulfill their sworn duties.

However, the PDP has accused the deputy governor of submitting false documentation to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Additionally, they alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) submitted its list of candidates to INEC outside the stipulated timeframe according to electoral law. Consequently, the PDP has urged the tribunal to invalidate the election of Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the governor, and the deputy governor.

The legal teams involved in the case include Okon N. S., SAN, T. D. Pepe, SAN, and Eko Ejembo Eko, SAN, representing the PDP and Titus Uba as the petitioner, Ishakka M. Dikko, SAN, leading INEC’s legal representation, Sunday I. Ameh, SAN, and Mohammed Mohammed, SAN, representing Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, and Matthew Burkaa, SAN, representing APC Nigeria as the first, second, and third respondents. Samuel Ode, the deputy governor, is the fourth respondent in this electoral dispute.