Mark Reacts After Tribunal Decides Winner Of Benue Election

David Mark and Dan Onjeh

The national and state assembly petition tribunal sitting in Makurdi, Benue state, on Tuesday, October 6, upheld the election of former Senate president David Mark, as the senator representing the southern senatorial district of the state.
Reacting to the endorsement of the tribunal, Mark said the judiciary remains the defender of the rights of the oppressed, Daily Post.

Mark in a statement issued by Paul Mumeh, his media assistant, was quoted as saying: “I’ll like to express my appreciation to the judiciary for standing by the truth which led to the reaffirmation of the mandate freely given to me by the people of Benue South Senatorial district.
“I promise to do everything that is constitutionally right to bring dividend of democracy to the door steps of his constituents and beyond.”

Justice Mosumola Dipeolu-led dismissed the petition brought by the All Progressive Congress, (APC) candidate, Comrade Daniel Onjeh challenging the election of Senator Mark of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to the tribunal, the petitioner failed to establish any case against Senator Mark, and also failed to prove the allegations of rigging, multiple thumb printing, over stuffing of ballots, allocation of votes, intimidation, harassment and inducement of voters among others.
David Mark of the PDP, and Dan Onjeh of the APC, contested the Benue South Senatorial seat in the March 28 National Assembly election.
However, Mark was declared winner of the election, which his opponent claimed recorded several irregularities. Onjeh, hence, approached the court, seeking dissolution of the poll.