Tribunal upholds reps minority whip’s election, dismisses APC’s petition

The national assembly elections petitions tribunal in Gombe has upheld the electoral victory of Ali Isa, minority whip of the house of representatives.

Isa who represents Balanga/Billiri federal constituency in the house, polled over 20,000 votes to defeat Victor Mela, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the February 25 national assembly election.

Not satisfied with the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mela filed a petition.

But the petition was dismissed on Tuesday.

In a message to his constituents shortly after the ruling, Isa said the victory has renewed his vigour to serve them.

“It is with great gratitude to the Almighty God that I address you on this auspicious day in which God has caused us to enjoy another victory, given that a short while ago, the Elections Tribunal affirmed my electoral victory over Hon. Victor Mela Danzaria by outrightly dismissing the petition he filed against my triumph,” he said.

“This noble ruling has further reaffirmed the mandate which you gave me with about 20,000 votes margin as the winner of the February 2023 Balanga/Billiri House of Representatives election, and I want to assure you all that this victory will further strengthen my resolve towards serving our great Constituency with renewed vigour.”

Isa said his supporters should celebrate the victory with “modesty and respect”.

“I will leave no stone unturned in bringing both human and material development to our people to the best of my abilities,” he said.

“I will continue to solicit your support and prayers to enable us to succeed collectively.”

Mela, immediate-past chairman of the house committee on solid minerals, defeated Isa during the 2019 general election.

In 2020, Mela was convicted of giving false information to INEC to enable him to contest the 2019 polls.