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.
The Honourable Justice B.A. Taiwo-led tribunal, in its judgment on Friday, affirmed Senator Bassey as the lawful winner of the February 25, 2023, Senatorial Election in Uyo.
In a petition filed by Mr. Emaeyak Ukpong of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the tribunal held that the petitioner failed to substantiate any of the issues brought before it nor able to prove any of his allegations bordering on over voting, widespread irregularities and non compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act.
Mr. 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 Acts 2022 and declare him winner of the February 25, 2023 election.
Since the burden of proof was on the petitioner, Counsels to Senator Bassey, led by Barrister Sam Ikpo, that of the PDP, led by Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem, and that of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), urged the tribunal to dismiss the petitioner’s case for lack of merit.
The tribunal accordingly dismissed the petition on lack of merit and substance and declared Senator Bassey validly elected.
Reacting to the judgment, Senator Bassey hailed the tribunal and described the judgment as upholding the rule of law against emotions, sentiment and victory for democracy.
While maintaining that the tribunal judgment has again reaffirmed that the people of Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District overwhelmingly voted for the PDP during the election, Senator Bassey called on his opponent to join hands with him for the betterment of the district and Akwa Ibom State.
Media Unit
Office of the Senator
Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District
