By correspondent in Lokoja.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The election petition tribunal sitting in Lokoja, kogi state, central Nigeria, on Wednesday declared Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party as the winner of the February 25 Kogi Central Senatorial election.
The tribunal Chairman,Justice K.A. Orjiako,who read the unanimous judgment of the three-man panel, said that Natasha-Uduaghan scored 54,064 votes to defeat his closest rival, Sen.Sadiki Ohere of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who polled 51,291 votes.
According to him, Ohere’s results were inflated in nine polling units of Ajaokuta Local Government Area (LGA),adding that that of Natasha was intentionally reduced in the areas by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The Tribunal is also convinced that the petitioners 996 votes in polling units 009, 046 and O49 polling units of Ganaja village of Ajaokuta LGA was deliberately not recorded at the Ward Collation centre.
The Tribunal said the Collation officers had no duty to reject results submitted by Presiding officers from polling units in election that followed the electoral guidelines substantially.
The tribunal chairman;”The issues raised by the petitioner is hereby resolved in favour of the petitioners and after making the proper correction.
“Natasha Akpoti-Uduagan (PDP), having polled 54,074 against Abubakar Ohere (APC) who polled 51,291 is hereby declared the authentic winner.”
The Tribunal ordered the 3rd respondent (INEC) to withdraw the certificate of returns issued to Ohere and Issue same to Natasha.
Meanwhile, many people in Okehi Local Government Area of the state where Natasha comes from,went into jubilation galore shortly after the tribunal’s judgment.
Our correspondent in Ihima, said people were seen rolling out drums, dancing and singing, to express their delight over the judgment.
Daily Post/Channels/The Reporters.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
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