NASS: We don’t include candidate’s name on ballot papers, INEC tells Tribunal

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has insisted that it does not include names of candidates on ballot papers, but party logo.

The Commission made this known through its staff, Mr. Samuel Achigili, a  subpoenaed witness who testified at the National and State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Makurdi, on Thursday, 2023 in the matter between Aida Nath Ogwuche of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) (petitioner), who is contesting the emergence of Philip Agbese of the All Progressives Congress (APC) (respondent) as winner of the House of Representatives election for Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency of Benue State.

Aida and the PDP are alleging that the election that produced Philip Agbese as winner is invalid on the grounds of non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

The petitioners also alleged that Aida was excluded from the House of Representatives election for Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency, held on 25th February, 2023, as INEC didn’t comply with the judgement of the Supreme Court that confirmed her as the PDP candidate and not Francis Otta Agbo.

Achigili, while answering questions from counsel to the respondent, Mr Adetunji Oso, stated that the commission deals with candidates through their political party.

Achigili also told the tribunal that it is the Logo of the party that appears on the ballot paper and not the name of the candidate.

He further pointed out that the ballot paper used for the election had the Logo of the PDP, which is the second petitioner in the matter.

Earlier, Achigili tendered in evidence the list of candidates for the election.

Justice Amina Aliyu adjourned the matter to today, Saturday, July 22nd, 2023, for continuation of hearing.a