The National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal in Makurdi has affirmed Chief Philip Agbese of the All Progressives Congress as the legitimate representative for Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency in Benue State.
Aida Ogwuche from the Peoples Democratic Party contested Agbese’s victory, alleging non-compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022.
She claimed unlawful exclusion by the Independent National Electoral Commission, citing a Supreme Court judgment that confirmed her as the PDP candidate.
However, Justice Emeka Ezedi of the tribunal delivering a unanimous verdict, dismissed the petition, stating that unlawful exclusion does not constitute grounds for challenging election outcomes under the current Electoral Act.
The tribunal clarified that the petitioner’s claims pertained to pre-election matters beyond its jurisdiction, concluding that one cannot complain about non-compliance when not participating in the election.
However, the petition was dismissed, and the petitioner was ordered to pay a cost of N400,000 to each respondent.
