M. L. UWAIS, J.S.C. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): The appellant was a candidate in the Local Government Elections which took place throughout Nigeria on the 12th day of December, 1987. He contested together with the 14th respondent for the chairmanship of Warri Local Government Council in Bendel State. The appellant was not satisfied with the result of the election by which the 14th respondent was declared the winner. The appellant, therefore, brought a petition against the 1st to the 13th respondents in the High Court of Bendel State holden at Warri. The last paragraph of the petition reads as follows-
"38. By their conduct, acts, omissions, dereliction of functions and usurpation thereof as averred in sundry places in this petition, the Respondents have jointly and severally also breached and committed offences against the Provisions of Decree No.37 of 1987 generally and particularly against Section 9(3) thereof; paragraphs 16,21(1),24 and 31 of Schedule 1 thereto as well as su…