The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting at the premises of the Plateau State High Court Jos on Monday dismissed the Petition filed by Alfred Dabwan and his party, the New Nigeria People’s Party NNPP against the Victory of Governor Caleb Mutfwang of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)
The Tribunal while Delivering the Judgement read by Justice Ambo John, held that the Exclusion of Party Logo is not a ground to Question an election Victory.
The vicinity of the Plateau state high Court, venue for the Judgement was cordoned by security operatives as the Governor and his appointees as well as members of the PDP and the NNPP Crowded the tribunal to listen to the judgement.
Recall, that the Petitioners, the New Nigerian People’s Party NNPP had approached the Tribunal, seeking the nullification of the March 18, 2023 Governorship Election in Plateau State, for the exclusion of their Logo in the ballot by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, which later declared and returned Caleb Mutfwang as Winner of the election.
At the resumption of the sitting on Monday, all Parties to the petitions pending before the Plateau Governorship Election Petition Tribunal adopted their final written addresses before the Judgement Commenced.
While delivering the Judgement, Justice Ambo John, said the Tribunal has thoroughly read the petitioner’s submission and concluded that Exclusion of logo is not a ground to question an election victory.
The Tribunal held, that the Petitioners do not have valid and substantial ground and have failed to call any witness in support of their petition and thereby struck out the Petition, saying it is against the law of evidence act.
The Tribunal also declared in favour of the first respondent a fine of 500,00 Naira against the petitioners, which is to be paid personally by the council for the petitioners for turning the tribunal to a theatre of comedy.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who was in court, while Speaking after the Judgement described it as a victory for the People of Plateau.
Editor Paul Akhagbemhe
