2023 gov’ship election : Benue PDP to challenge the results at the election tribunal
…. Says election characterized by heavy militarization
Titus Atondu, Makurdi
Following the outcome of the recent conducted governorship and state assembly elections, the Benue State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has disclosed that the party will challenge the outcome of the election at the governorship election tribunal sitting in Makurdi.
The state Acting Chairman of PDP, Hon. Isaac Mffo made the disclosure on Thursday at the party’s Secretariat in Makurdi during a press conference.
The chairman expressed gratitude to the teeming members across the state who exhibited uncommon courage to go out and vote in the elections despite heavy militarisation of the polls and the use of thugs aided by security agents sent to the state by federal authorities from Abuja.
Mffo extended special commendations to the leader of their great party in the state, His Excellency, Governor Samuel Ortom; our Governorship candidate, Engr. Titus Tyoapine Uba, his running mate, Sir John Ngbede; Senators,Gabriel Suswam, Patrick Abba Moro and Emmanuel Orker Jev; National Assembly and State Assembly caucus members of the great party; elected and appointed office holders, party officials and distinguished stakeholders from across the state for their struggles under the harsh conditions which were deliberately created by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from Abuja to scuttle the conduct of free and fair elections.
“As a party, we had done our homework diligently in the build-up to the elections having campaigned thoroughly in all parts of the state in the course of which we touched base with the electorate.
“We ran a campaign which was based on our track record of solid developmental performance since 1999 and most recently on the sterling achievements of the Ortom administration which are visible across all facets of the state.
“We were ready for the elections and did mobilize to participate in them with faith and trust in the promises made by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure free and fair elections.
“Sadly, this was not the case at the Governorship and State Assembly polls which were held on 18th March, 2023.” Mffo stated.
According to him , from the reports received and studied by the legal department of the party and have arrived at the conclusion that the conduct of the elections fell far below the accepted minimum standards as obtained under the current democratic dispensation.
“It is, therefore, the decision of the Benue State Chapter of PDP that the outcome of the March 18th, 2023 elections be challenged at the Benue State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Makurdi.
“It is our belief that we owe democracy in our country Nigeria a duty to help deepen it by taking such an action to reverse the hijacking of the popular mandate of the people as done by APC during the last elections.
“It is our faith that the mandate of the Benue electorate will be restored to our great party as was rightfully given by the people on March 18th, 2023. ” PDP Chairman maintained.
