By Zacchaeus Ozovehe.
It was a week of multiple celebration for members of Kogi State All Progressives Congress (APC) as Kogi State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja, in a unanimous decision, affirmed the victory of Senator Yakubu Oseni barely 24 hours after Governor Yahaya Bello clinched the party ticket for November 16th gubernatorial election.
The duo of Barr. Natasha Akpoti of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Senator Ahmed Salawu Ogembe of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had in a separate petitions, challenged the outcome of the Senatorial election held on 23rd February, 2019, citing some electoral irregularities.
However, after protracted preliminary hearings, presentation of witnesses and supporting documents by all parties involved, the Tribunal has ruled that Senator (Dr) Yakubu Oseni was duly given the mandate to represent the constituency at the National Assembly.
The Chairman of the three-man bench, Hon. Justice A. O Chijioke struck out the petition of Natasha Hadiza Akpoti and that of Ogembe for lack of merit and failure to prove their allegations of non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
Surprisingly, Barrister Akpoti abandoned her case of corrupt practices and based her argument on a mere judgement made by the Appeal Court on the documents, a calculated ploy to confuse the general public obviously to gain sympathy.
The petition of Senator Ahmed Salawu Ogembe suffered similar setback as his charges were dismissed on the account of his inability to present tangible evidence to substantiate his claims.
In a statement, the victorious lawmaker, Dr Oseni in his usual humility appreciated his constituents for giving him the mandate, just as he urged them to avoid inciting statements against opponents amidst celebration.
He said “seeking redress by opponents in the court of competent jurisdiction for ‘perceived electoral irregularities’ is one of the guidelines for an enduring democratic culture.
“On this note, I wish to declare to you that I bear no grudge against any petitioner as they remain relevant reference point in the history of our victory as Senatorial district.
“Therefore, I urge you all to live peacefully with everyone and avoid provocative statements against supporters of any candidate as we celebrate this victory”
Meanwhile, the SDP candidate Barr. Natasha Akpoti who seemed to have foreseen her looming defeat, elevated her senatorial ambition to governorship yesterday.
Natasha was reported to have been ratified by the SDP to fly its flag in the forthcoming Kogi State November 16th gubernatorial contest.
