In a dramatic turn of events, the Benue State Local Government Elections Petition Tribunal, sitting at the NBA House in Abuja, on Sunday nullified the election of Melvin Ejeh as Executive Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area.
Delivering its verdict, the tribunal declared Napoleon Otache as the duly elected chairman, overturning the previous result of the contentious local government poll held in Agatu, one of Benue State’s 23 local councils.
The decision followed a petition filed against Ejeh’s election, challenging the credibility and outcome of the poll. The tribunal, after reviewing the evidence and arguments presented, ruled in favor of Otache, effectively unseating Ejeh.
In a swift reaction, Melvin Ejeh condemned the tribunal’s ruling, calling it a “total miscarriage of justice.” He maintained that the judgment failed to reflect the facts and evidence presented and vowed to challenge the verdict.
“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 said in a statement shortly after the ruling.
He urged his supporters to remain calm and united as his legal team moves to appeal the decision.
“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,” he said.
Assuring his constituents of his resolve, Ejeh added, “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.”
As legal fireworks continue, all eyes now turn to the appeal court for the next chapter in Agatu’s political battle.
