Tribunal Rejects PDP’s Request, Takes Major Decision In Favour Of APC

The request by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the recounting of the ballot papers used for the March 9 Etsako Federal Constituency election has been rejected by the Election Petition Tribunal in Benin.

The Tribunal Chairman, Justice O. Ogundana, on Tuesday, rejected the plea of the petitioner, Mr Blessing Agbomere, in a ruling on the application filed by his counsel, Mr Chika Adindu.

NAN reports that Agbomere is challenging the victory of Mr Johnson Oghuma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the legislative polls.

Naija News understands the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in its application before the tribunal, had requested for the recounting and fingerprint assessment of the ballot papers used for the poll.

The tribunal, however, rejected the plea, ruling that there was no provision in the Electoral Act as amended​ for the recounting of ballot papers after the declaration of election results.

“At the place of voting, the polling officers can allow the agents to count.

“Recounting and finger print assessment does not have any correlation with errors or miscalculation; as a result, the application lacks merit and is hereby dismissed,” the judge said.

NAN reports June 11 was thereafter announced for the commencement of substantive hearing on the petition.