Benue: PDP insists Gov Alia must be sacked, approaches Appeal Court

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, alongside its candidate in the 2023 gubernatorial election, Engr. Titus Uba, has lodged an appeal challenging the judgment of the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal. The tribunal had upheld the election victory of Governor Hyacinth Alia, dismissing the petition filed by PDP and Engr. Uba challenging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declaration of Governor Alia as the winner.

The tribunal, presided over by Justice Ibrahim Mohammed Karaye, contended that the issues raised by the petitioners were pre-election matters and should have been presented before the Federal High Court, not the tribunal.

In response, the PDP, through its legal team, has approached the Court of Appeal with a petition challenging the tribunal’s judgment on 16 grounds. One of the key contentions is the alleged error in the tribunal’s interpretation of its jurisdiction to consider both petitions, particularly on the pre-election aspect.

The PDP, in a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Bemgba Iotyom, expressed confidence in the strength of its case, citing alleged forgery in the deposition made by Governor Alia’s running mate, Samuel Ode. The party emphasized that Samuel Ode was not a valid candidate in the election due to a failure to submit his name to INEC as required by law.

Affirming their faith in the Judiciary, the PDP and Engr. Uba reiterated their hope that the Appellate court would overturn the tribunal’s judgment and deliver substantive justice to their petition.