By Gabriel Enogholase

BENIN—PEOPLES Democratic Party, PDP, House of Representatives candidate for Akoko-Edo federal constituency in Edo State, Mr. Oladele Bankole-Balogun, has asked the election petition tribunal sitting in the Benin, to nullify the declaration of Mr. Peter Akpatason of the All Progressives Congress, APC, by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as winner of the election into the lower House of the National Assembly.

In his petition, Bankole-Balogun is further praying the tribunal to declare that the APC candidate was not duly elected by majority of the lawful votes cast on March 28, 2015 National Assembly elections.

He is further contending that the APC candidate returned unlawful thump printed votes from his community in Uneme-nekhua, ward 9 unit 1,2,3 and Aiyetoro in company of security agents, adding that he submitted the same himself at local government area collation centre. Bankole, who expressed firm belief that the tribunal would do justice in the matter, is also praying the tribunal to declare him winner of the election.

According to the petitioner: “The APC candidate, deep down his heart, knew that I defeated him at the poll. I have no doubt that the tribunal is made up of a team of tested professionals who will not only promote the rule of law, but will also seek to advance the frontiers of good democratic processes in Nigeria. Hence, my complete trust and belief that my mandate will be returned to me as expressly and as timely as possible.”