Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
The National and State Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal sitting in Jalingo, Taraba State, on Monday, dismiss the election of Nuhu Akila.
Akila, who represents Lau state constituency in the assembly, contested on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, while his rival contested on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Hon Emmanuel George, of the All Progressive Congress, APC, had filed a suit challenging the election of Nuhu Akila, arguing that many his votes manipulated were his own.
Emmanuel George also urged the tribunal to declare him winner of the election, claiming it was marred by irregularities and not in compliance with the Electoral Act and guidelines.
Delivering the judgement, the chairman of the tribunal, Benson Ogbu, ruled that the petitioner was not able to provide evidence to prove his case or support his claims.
According to him, the Tribunal during its recount, discover over voting in some polling units in Abbate, Jimlari and Kunini Wards of Lau local government.
“Also there were lack of recording of election results, mis calculation of votes, rejection of votes and incorrect valid votes.
“Names of polling units results sheets did not tally with the signatures of their party agents in some polling units of some Wards.
He said that there was election irregularities in some polling units such as over voting, used and in used ballot papers which were tendered to the Tribunal by PW 2, adding that the evidence before it are true. He added that the Tribunal after recount, discover different scores for each party as recorded on the result sheets, saying that the All Progressive Congress APC scored the highest votes in most of the polling units.
The tribunal also said the petitioner failed to prove his claim that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not comply with the Electoral Act.
The tribunal, therefore, dismiss the victory of the former member as declared by INEC.
“Emmanuel George is hereby declared the winner of the March 2023 House of Assembly election and the certificate of return ealier issued to the former member, be withdrawn and fresh certificate be issued to Emmanuel George.
Mr Ogbu, while reviewing the petition, declared that all the issues raised and the pieces of evidence tendered before the tribunal were immaterial, saying, therefore, “the petition lacks merit on failure of proof.”
Speaking shortly, Pious Danba, Counsel to Emmanuel George, expressed satisfaction with the judgement.
Also speaking after the judgement, Emmanuel George, express gratitude to God and the Tribunal for doing Justice to his case.
“You have heard it all from the Tribunal Chairman that I was the winner of the March 2023 House of Assembly election. He ordered that a certificate of return should be given to me.
Nuhu Akila can still appeal the judgement of the tribunal at a court of higher jurisdiction.