TSAMIYA, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This is an appeal against the ruling of the Benue High Court, delivered on 23/4/2004, sitting in its original jurisdiction, at Adikpo Judicial Division in Benue State, declining jurisdiction to entertain the suit of the plaintiffs against the defendants. The facts leading to this appeal, as disclosed are as follows:
The 1st plaintiff as a registered political party in Nigeria, sponsored the 2nd and 3rd plaintiffs as candidates for Chairman and Vice-Chairman for Election into Kwande Local Government Council of Benue State. The 1st plaintiff also sponsored councillorship candidates for all the Wards in Kwande Local Government Council of Benue State. The said election was conducted in Kwande Local Government Area. After conducting the elections in Kwande Local Government, results of the elections for the office of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Councilors were collated and the officials of the respondents on 28/4/2004:
(a) Completed the…