Senate: Akpabio defeated at tribunal

The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State has upheld the victory of Senator Christopher Ekpenyong (PDP, Akwa Ibom North West). The three-man panel presided by the chairman, Justice W. O. Akanbi, ruled that Ekpenyong was duly elected by majority of votes cast during the February 23, 2019 senatorial election. Two […]

The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State has upheld the victory of Senator Christopher Ekpenyong (PDP, Akwa Ibom North West).

The three-man panel presided by the chairman, Justice W. O. Akanbi, ruled that Ekpenyong was duly elected by majority of votes cast during the February 23, 2019 senatorial election.

Two of the three judges ruled in favour of the victory while one ruled against, leading to a majority decision which dismissed the petition filed by Senator Godswill Akpabio of APC, challenging INEC’s declaration of Ekpenyong as winner.

Akpabio, who is the minister of Niger Delta, had challenged the election on the ground that Ekpenyong was not duly elected by majority of lawful votes cast during the election.

He said the election was invalid owing to non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.