The Cross River State National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal has dismissed a petition filed by former Governor Ben Ayade challenging the victory of Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe in the February 25 senatorial election.
The tribunal, in a judgment delivered on Saturday, said Ayade and his party, the All Progressives Congress, failed to prove their case substantially.
The tribunal also said there was no credible evidence to support the allegation of massive electoral malpractices.
The tribunal chairman, Justice M. A. Sambo, said the petitioners had failed to discharge the burden of proof placed on them by law. He also said the evidence they presented was not credible and was at variance with their claims.
As a result, the tribunal dismissed the petition and upheld the victory of Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe.
Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe was represented by Mba Ukweni, SAN, while former Governor Ben Ayade was represented by Mike Ozekhome, SAN.
The decision of the tribunal means victory for Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, who will now serve a full term in the Senate.
