The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal presided over by Justice Jennifer Ijohor on Thursday upheld the elections of Senator Bassey Albert for Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District, Hon. Unyime Idem for Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency and Nse Ekpenyong of Oron/Udung Uko/Urueffong Oruko/Mbo/Okobo federal constituency.
The petitioners, who were represented at the tribunal by Reuben Egwaba Esq, relied on Section 140 to urge that the tribunal nullifies the election of Senator Bassey Albert and declare Mr Bassey Etim as the winner. Barr Akpan also said that a Witness subpoenaed by the Petitioner, S. O. Ibrahim, Deputy Director, Legal Department of INEC had testified that Senator Albert satisfied INEC’s screening to contest the elections, and that no reports have been received by INEC from WAEC or any of the institutions denying any document submitted by Senator Albert.
“On lawful votes, the Petitioners carefully avoided and abandoned their pleadings without giving any evidence, written or oral to prove how Senator Albert was not returned elected”. The tribunal agreed with the 1st and 2nd respondents that the election into House of Representatives for the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State was conducted by the 3rd Respondent in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 and 2019 General Elections Guidelines and Regulations in the discharge of its constitutional function.