The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal has commenced sitting in Minna, Niger State, with parties adopting pre-trial answers to issues raised by the petitioner, Barrister David Umaru of the All Progressives Congress.
Umaru is challenging the declaration of Dr. Shem Nuhu Zagbai of the Peoples Democratic Party as winner of the bye-election conducted in Niger East Senatorial District by the Independent National Electoral Commission in August and September this year.
The Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Ibrahim Maikata, in an opening remark at its sitting on Tuesday, assured parties to the case of fairness and justice.
Maikata solicited for their maximum support and cooperation.
According to him: “The tribunal will avoid unnecessary delays in proceedings and we will ensure the tribunal is properly guided by the law.
“I expect the parties to state issues that will assist the tribunal in deciding the case in the interest of fair hearing and justice to all.”
Umaru, represented by Barrister Chris Osuagwu, is praying the tribunal to void and nullify the declaration of Zagbayi as winner of the election conducted to replace late Senator Dahiru Awaisu Kuta.
He has also prayed the tribunal to declare him as having secured the highest lawful votes cast the winner of the bye-election.
While speaking to journalists on the opening address by the tribunal, Osuagwu expressed confidence in the competence of the court to do justice in the matter.
According to him: “I am going to present to the tribunal overwhelming evidence of facts in the case that will bring victory to my client.
“I am not intimidated by the large numbers of legal luminaries on parade for the respondents in the case led by Olajide Ayodeji (SAN) for 1st respondent, John Ameh (SAN) for 3rd respondent and Rotimi Ojo for 2nd respondent.”