Ayade seeks to overturn Senator Jarigbe’s election, presents evidence

The former governor of Cross River State, Prof Ben Ayade, has told the Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Calabar that the election of Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe as senator representing Cross River North should be overturned.

Ayade presented evidence from 310 polling units where he alleged there were electoral discrepancies during the February 25, 2023, election to back up his demand.

Hearings began on Monday on the petition, which was numbered EPT/CR/SEN/02/2023, before the tribunal that is headed by Justice M. A. Sambo with A. C. Akabua and J. Zululu as members.

Senator Jarigbe was represented by Mba Ukweni, SAN, and five other attorneys, whereas Ayade is represented by three senior advocates, namely Mike Ozekhome, Abeni Mohammed, and Murtala Abdul Rasheed, along with ten other lawyers.

Ayade claimed there were arrays of electoral malpractices in all the five local government areas that constitute the Cross River North senatorial district.

He listed evidence from Abuochiche, Afrike Ochagbe, Ibiaragidi, Nyanya, Otukpo, Ugboro, and Bishiri wards.

In Obudu, the former governor presented exhibits from Begiaba/Begiaka, Boche, Obudu Urban 2, Utugwang Central, and Utugwang North wards.

In Yala LGA, he presented evidence from Ochimofana, Gabu, Mfuma/Ntrigom, Okuku, Okpoma, Wanihem, Wanikade, Wanokom, and Yahe wards.

In Ogoja, he presented evidence from Ekajuk 1, Ekajuk 2, Mbube East, Mbube East 2, Mbube West 1, Mbube West 2, Nkum Ibor, Nkum Irede, Ogoja Urban 1, and Ogoja Urban 2.

In Obanlikwu, he presented from one ward, Busi.

The evidence, which was adopted as exhibits numbered by the tribunal, would have witnesses appear for cross-examination in subsequent hearings.