YAHAYA JCA (Delivering the Lead Judgment): There are two appeals which unfortunately, have been given the same number. I can’t change that at this stage. I shall refer to them as the 1st appeal, and the 2nd appeal as was also done by counsel at the hearing of the appeals.
On 14 April 2007, an election was held in the Ado Constituency, for the membership of the Benue State House of Assembly. At the close of voting, Dr. Stephen Onmeje, the 1st appellant herein, was returned as elected by the 4th and 5th respondents to the petition, based on the following number of votes received by three candidates at the election: Dr. Stephen Onmeje (ANPP) - 25,636
Andrew Okore Odumu (PDP) - 24,533 3. Kate Ijogi (AC) - 1,254 The petitioner, Andrew Okore Odumu, now the 1st respondent , challenged the results and return of the appellant. He prayed the tribunal for:
A declaration that there was no election in Apa ward.
A declaration that the correct/actual score of the 1st respondent in Ukwonyo ward is 1929…