Akwa Ibom: Tribunal upholds Bassey’s election as senator

The National Assembly Election Tribunal sitting in Uyo has upheld the victory of Senator Aniekan Bassey of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District.

Delivering judgement on Thursday, the Honourable Justice B.A. Taiwo-led tribunal affirmed Bassey as the lawful winner of the February 25, 2023, senatorial election in Uyo.

He said the petitioner, Mr Emaeyak Ukpong of the All Progressives Congress (APC), failed to substantiate any of the issues brought before the tribunal, nor was able to prove any of his allegations bordering on overvoting, widespread irregularities and non-compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act.

Ukpong, through his counsel, Barrister Jumbo Udom, had asked the tribunal to declare null and void the victory of Senator Bassey for alleged non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and declare him the winner of the election.

Since the burden of proof was on the petitioner, counsels to Bassey, led by Barrister Sam Ikpo; that of the PDP, led by Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem, and of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), urged the tribunal to dismiss the petitioner’s case for lack of merit.

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The tribunal dismissed the petition on lack of merit and substance and declared Bassey validly elected.

Reacting to the judgment, Bassey hailed the tribunal and described the verdict as upholding the rule of law against emotions, sentiment and victory for democracy.

He called on his opponent to join hands with him for the betterment of the district and Akwa Ibom State.