The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal has officially pronounced Senator Gabriel Suswam of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as the victor of the hotly contested Senatorial election for the Benue North-East Senatorial District (Zone ‘A’).
This decision marks the culmination of a legal battle that unfolded following the initial declaration of Senator Emmanuel Udende, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the 2023 elections.
Senator Suswam, a prominent figure in Benue politics, challenged the INEC results, alleging irregularities and discrepancies in the electoral process. His quest for justice led to a prolonged legal tussle, which has now culminated in a verdict in his favor.
The Tribunal’s decision, declaring Senator Suswam as the rightful winner of the Benue North-East Senatorial District election, has elicited mixed reactions among the political spectrum. Supporters of the PDP are celebrating the ruling as a validation of their candidate’s claims, while supporters of Senator Udende and the APC have expressed disappointment.
This outcome not only reshapes the political landscape in Benue North-East but also underscores the significance of electoral dispute resolution mechanisms in ensuring the fairness and integrity of the democratic process.