PDP Candidate Alleges Bias in Ebonyi Bye-election Tribunal Proceedings

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Ebonyi South Senatorial bye-election, Barrister Silas Ọnụ, has lodged an accusation of bias against the judges presiding over his petition at the Election Petition Tribunal.

In a petition addressed to the President of the Court of Appeal dated April 29, 2024, Ọnụ demanded the disbandment of the tribunal panel, citing concerns of partiality.

Ọnụ contests the declaration of Processor Anthony Okorie of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He specifically called out the tribunal judges, Justice H.N. Kunaza, Justice Basset Nkanang, and Justice M. O. Agboola, accusing them of disregarding justice.

Ọnụ recounted how he filed a Motion on Notice on April 15, requesting an order to inspect electoral materials, particularly the BVAS (Biometric Voter Authentication System).

While the motion faced opposition from the 2nd and 3rd Respondents, INEC, the first respondent, did not object.

The tribunal, however, dismissed the application on April 27, 2024, alleging that granting it would amount to amending the petition, a claim Ọnụ vehemently refuted.

He argued that the tribunal’s assertion that BVAS was not pleaded in the petition is false, emphasizing that it was clearly stated in paragraph 42 (16) of the petition.

Ọnụ concluded by condemning the tribunal’s actions as an attempt to deny him the right to present evidence and urged for corrective measures to maintain the integrity of the Nigerian Judiciary, especially in election cases.