There was jubilation yesterday in Kogi East Senatorial District as the Federal Court of Appeal declared one of Prince Audu’s political associates, Attai Aidoko Ali of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) winner of the April National Assembly election.
The Independent national Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dangana Ocheje, winner of the April election. This was upheld by the Justice Seline Nweke-led Governorship and National Assembly Election Tribunal, which threw out Aidoko’s petition challenging Ocheje’s election.
But the Appeal Court yesterday reversed the tribunal’s judgment, declaring Aidoko the authentic winner of the election.
At Olamaboro, Aidoko’s home town, the residents celebrated the verdict with joy.
The youths sang and danced on the streets and traders left their businesses to rejoice with their son.
It was learnt that many PDP supporters in Idah and some other towns in the senatorial district also joined in the celebration.
A PDP leader in the area, who spoke in confidence, noted that the verdict was the true reflection of the people’s wish.
He expressed confidence in the judiciary, saying: “It is better to have a good non-party member as senator than someone who claims to be a member but has nothing to offer the people.”
A former lawmaker, representing Kabba/Bunnu-Ijumu Federal Constituency, Dino Melaiye said more revelations of the PDP rigging would soon be unveiled.
He said: “We will reclaim our mandate one by one, by God’s grace.”
