The Benue State Local Government Elections Petition Tribunal, sitting in Abuja, has nullified the election of Melvin Ejeh as the Executive Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area. Instead, the tribunal declared Napoleon Otache as the rightful winner of the election.
The tribunal’s decision, made on Sunday, was the result of a petition that questioned the validity of the Agatu local government election, which was one of 23 held across Benue State. The petition raised concerns about the fairness of the electoral process, prompting the tribunal to review the case thoroughly before making its ruling.
After the verdict, Melvin Ejeh responded with a statement, describing the tribunal’s decision as a “total miscarriage of justice.” He voiced his intent to challenge the ruling through legal channels.
“My fellow citizens of Agatu Local Government, you are aware of the total miscarriage of justice done to me on a matter of the same facts and evidence across the 23 local government areas of Benue State at the tribunal,” Ejeh remarked.
Despite the tribunal’s decision, Ejeh insisted that he remains the legitimate chairman of Agatu until the appeal process is concluded. He appealed for calm among his supporters and urged them to stay united during this time of uncertainty.
“I want to emphasize the importance of staying calm and united. I have already mobilized my dedicated team of lawyers, who have proceeded on appeal,” Ejeh noted.
He further reassured the people of Agatu, saying, “I want to assure you that the mandate you bestowed upon me will not be taken. My legal team is confident in the strength of our case, and we will prevail when we present it at the appeal tribunal.”
