In a recent judicial development, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has dismissed an appeal challenging the election victory of Governor Hyacinth Alia in Benue State. The appeal withdrawal was initiated by Mr Titus Uba of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), adding another layer of legal resolution to the contentious election.
Background of the Legal Challenge:
The legal battle stemmed from the dissatisfaction of Mr Titus Uba, who contested under the PDP, with the outcome of the March 18 governorship election. Governor Hyacinth Alia, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had been declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Both the Election Petitions Tribunal and the Court of Appeal Abuja had previously upheld Alia’s election victory, affirming the INEC’s declaration. The dismissal by the Supreme Court represents the final chapter in this electoral dispute.
Withdrawal of the Appeal:
During the court proceedings, Sebastian Hon, counsel to Mr Titus Uba, officially withdrew the appeal on Monday. This withdrawal marked a crucial turn in the legal proceedings, leading to the Supreme Court’s dismissal of the case.
Supreme Court’s Jurisdiction Ruling:
The Supreme Court, in its ruling, categorized the matter as a pre-election issue. As such, the court asserted that it lacked the jurisdiction to hear the petition, signaling a legal conclusion to the dispute. This decision aligns with the previous affirmations by lower courts regarding Governor Alia’s election.
Implications and Conclusion:
With the Supreme Court’s dismissal, Governor Hyacinth Alia’s position as the duly elected governor of Benue State is further solidified. The legal process, from the Election Petitions Tribunal to the Court of Appeal and now the Supreme Court, has consistently upheld the integrity of the electoral process that led to Governor Alia’s victory.
This legal resolution emphasizes the significance of due process and adherence to electoral laws in determining the legitimacy of elected officials. The conclusion of this case signifies a closure to the legal challenges surrounding the Benue State governorship election, allowing Governor Hyacinth Alia to focus on his responsibilities without the shadow of electoral disputes.