***Vows to proceed to the Court of Appeal
The Senator representing Kogi East in the National Assembly, Jibrin Isah Echocho has expressed dissatisfaction with the tribunal judgment, that ordered for a supplementary election in 94 polling units
The Senator who reacted after the tribunal judgement said he will take his case to the appellate court as he expressed the confidence that his victory will be upheld
The Senator vehemently faulted the tribunal’s decision, citing an earlier judgement that forbids additional inclusion of polling units to the legally approved ones.
He said the interpretation of the tribunal raises serious questions, which has prompted him to seek the right interpretation through the appellate court.
Echocho who is the Senate committee chairman on customs said he is determined to defend his electoral victory and uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
The Senator however told his supporters to exercise restrain but remain resolute as they pursue the next legal option.
The political landscape in Kogi East is sure to witness further developments as this legal battle unfolds.
On the other hand, he told his rival in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Victor Adoji not to celebrate as the judgement had not given victory to him.
Echocho told him to stop deluding himself as the Tribunal in its ruling only ordered a rerun in 94 polling units with over 59,730 votes.
He reminded him that the judgement was hinged on the belief that the PVCs collected in the 94 polling units were 59,730, while the margin of win is 26,922 votes.
He asked rhetorically whether his opponent thought that the actual people that would turn up would be up to his almost 27000 votes lead?
The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Lokoja hd ordered for a supplementary election between Sen. Jibrin Isah Echocho of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Dr. Victor Adoji of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
The Tribunal in its ruling ordered the rerun in 94 polling units with over 59,730 votes.
The tribunal Chairman, Justice K.A. Orjiako, who delivered the judgment on the petition brought before it by Dr Victor Adoji, Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), agreed with the prayers of Adoji
Adoji, had through his Counsel, Mr Johnson Usman (SAN), challenged the return of Jibrin Isah on the ground that elections were cancelled in some polling units where the PVCs collected were more than the margin of his (Chocho’s) win.
The petitioner had pleaded with the tribunal to void the election of Isah and order for a supplementary election in the affected 94 polling units in the senatorial district.