Election Tribunal Nullifies Election Of Member Representing Kwande/Ushongo Fed Constituency.

                               

The National and State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Makurdi has nullified the election of a member representing Kwande/Ushongo at the lower chambers of the National Assembly, Benjamin Wayo.
The tribunal in its judgement delivered on Friday, ordered for fresh elections in 21
polling units in Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency.
The Honourable Tribunal arrived at the decision after hearing evidence in a petition
filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP's) Robert Aondona Tyough against the election of Wayo a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Wayo, the first respondent in the Election Petition was returned winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) having polled 33, 178 votes to Tyough's 29, 481 at the 28th March, 2015 National assembly election.

But the PDP candidate on a three ground petition challenged the return of the APC man with allegations of non-qualification, false statement on oath, disenfranchisement, and according to the Honourable Justice Mosumola Dipeolu-led three member panel, was able to prove same save for issue of qualification, which was struck out.
According to the decision read by Honourable Justice Umar Abubakar in open
court, Wayo and his party, APC have admitted to the issue of non-holding of
elections 21 polling units in Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency as alleged by Tyough which when taken into consideration is substantial to affect the result of the poll.
The Honourable Tribunal said it was satisfied that the petitioner, Robert Aondona Tyough has proved his case of non-holding of election and that the figure is substantial to affecting the margin of win. Wayo Although the member of the House of Representatives was not in court, lead counsel who appeared for him and his party, APC,

S.A. Ngavan said they would be appealing the decision.
Both Tyough and his lead counsel, Andrew Wombo said they were happy and hope for victory, also at the fresh ballot. Wayo was returned winner with a difference of 3, 697 votes.