Benue tribunal: Drama as Deputy Speaker, Lami contradicts defence in forgery allegation by PDP

Mild drama ensued at the Benue State House of Assembly Elections Petitions Tribunal during the hearing of a certificate forgery case against the Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Lami Danladi, of the All Progressive Congress (APC). The case was brought by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mrs. Agnes Uloko, who contested in the Ado State constituency election.

The PDP and its candidate alleged that Mrs. Lami presented a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in her form EC9 (Affidavit of personal particulars).

During the hearing, the Deputy Speaker tendered a deed poll dated May 10, 2022, which indicated a change in her name from “Ogenyi Danladi Lami” to “Danladi Lami.” However, under cross-examination by the petitioners’ counsel, Mrs. Lami stated that she did not have a former name and only had her present names.

The Deputy Speaker also confirmed that the deed poll she presented was not registered with the Nigerian Civil Registry. She tendered an SSCE certificate issued by the Ministry of Education, Zamfara State, but admitted that certificates are usually issued by the examination body and the schools where the exams were taken.

The petitioners alleged that Mrs. Lami did not state the names of the schools from which she obtained her qualifications, as required in Form EC9, and further claimed that the information she provided to INEC was false.

The Chairman of the three-member panel adjourned the matter to August 3, 2023, for the adoption of the final written address.

The PDP and Mrs. Uloko seek the nullification of Mrs. Danladi’s election and the declaration of Mrs. Uloko Agnes as the rightful winner of the election.