Tribunal dismisses petition against Martin Esin

The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has upheld the victory of the member of the House of Representatives, Martins Esin, in the February 18, National Assembly Election.

Esin, who contested under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, is representing Oron/Mbo/Okobo/Udung Uko/Urueoffong Oruko Federal Constituency at the Red Chamber.

He is also the Chairman of the House Committee on Youth Development.

Delivering judgement on Friday in a petition filed by Mr. Robinson Edumoh and the All-Progressives Congress, the tribunal Judge, Justice Kudirat Jose, held that the petitioner could not prove any of his allegations bordering on overvoting, non-transmission of results electronically, widespread irregularities and noncompliance with provisions of the Electoral Act.

On the allegation of overvoting, the tribunal held that the petitioner merely made the allegation without an attempt to prove same, adding that the burden of proof was on the petitioner, and he couldn’t by law shift same to the respondent.

While citing relevant provisions of the Electoral Act, the tribunal judge held that the law did not make electronic transmission of election results mandatory.

The judge said the petitioner could not prove that results announced at the Local Government collation centres were different from those announced at the polling units.