Fr. Hyacinth Alia of APC affirms as Benue governor by Appeal Court. In a recent judicial triumph, the Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld the election of Governor Hyacinth Alia in Benue State. This development comes after the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Titus Uba, sought to overturn the tribunal’s decision that validated Alia’s victory in the March 18 governorship election.
The legal saga began when Titus Uba, dissatisfied with the tribunal’s judgment affirming Hyacinth Alia’s election, approached the appellate court. One of the primary contentions raised by Uba was related to the alleged presentation of a forged certificate by Alia’s deputy, Samuel Ode, to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
This accusation hinged on a violation of Section 182(1)(j) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
During the tribunal proceedings, Titus Uba and his legal team presented various allegations, with the forged certificate issue at the forefront. However, the three-member panel, led by Justice Ibrahim Karaye, dismissed the petition on the grounds that it constituted a pre-election matter and was statute-barred. This decision set the stage for the subsequent appeal.
On Monday, the Court of Appeal, led by Justice Onyekachi Aja Otisi, rendered its judgment on Titus Uba’s appeal. The three-member panel carefully examined the allegations of forgery against Samuel Ode. In the ruling, it was emphasized that Uba failed to provide conclusive evidence beyond a reasonable doubt to substantiate the claims of a forged certificate.
This verdict solidifies Hyacinth Alia’s position as the duly elected governor of Benue State, adding a significant legal chapter to his political journey.
In conclusion, the Court of Appeal’s affirmation of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s election marks a decisive moment in the legal battles that followed the March 18 governorship election. The dismissal of Titus Uba’s appeal solidifies the legitimacy of Alia’s victory.
A statement from the People Democratic Party in regard to whether they are taking the case to the Supreme Court or not remains unknown as of the time of filling out this report. We look forward to what is unfolding. Fr. Hyacinth Alia of APC affirms as Benue governor by Appeal Court
