Benue: Gov Alia faces disqualification over alleged certificate forgery

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate in Benue State, Mr. Titus Uba, have called upon the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal in the state to invalidate the declaration of Governor Hyacinth Alia and his deputy, Dr. Samuel Ode, citing alleged forgery and nomination out of time.

During the proceedings, Mr. Efut Okon, Senior Advocate and representative of the petitioners, presented their final written address to the tribunal. In the petition marked EPT/BN/GOV/01/2023, the PDP and Mr. Uba contended that both Governor Alia and Deputy Governor Ode were ineligible to contest the election. They argued that their sponsorship violated the law by being done just 44 days before the election, significantly shorter than the required 180 days. Additionally, the petitioners claimed that Dr. Ode had presented a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The focus of the case revolved around the Deputy Governor’s alleged submission of falsified credentials. The issuing authority, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, reportedly disclaimed the certificate attached to Dr. Ode’s INEC form. The PDP and Mr. Uba pointed out several differences between the forms of Governor Alia and his deputy, challenging the legitimacy of Dr. Ode’s qualifications.

The petitioners argued that the sponsorship of Governor Alia and Deputy Governor Ode did not comply with constitutional and legal provisions. They further claimed that Dr. Ode’s presentation of a forged certificate violated the constitution’s stipulations. In response to these allegations, the respondents’ legal counsels, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Governor Alia’s representatives, called for the dismissal of the petition on the grounds of lacking merit.

The tribunal, presided over by Justice Ibrahim Karaye and composed of a three-member panel, adjourned the case for judgment, with the specific date to be communicated to all parties involved. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the governance of Benue State, highlighting the importance of transparent and fair elections in upholding the democratic process.