PDP Claims First House of Rep Seat.

The Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday declared Christian Adabah Abah, the only candidate validly nominated to contest the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadigbo Federal Constituency seat in Benue State, was yesterday declared winner pursuant to the provisions of the Electoral Act.

This came less than three weeks to the start of the forthcoming general elections.

The act mandates the Independent National Election (INEC) to, in case of an only nomination, declare such a candidate elected.

Section 41 (1) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) provides that: “If after expiration of time for delivering of nomination papers, withdrawal of candidates and the extension of time as provided for in this Act there is only one person whose name is validly nominated in respect of an election, other than to the office of the President or Governor, that person shall be declared elected”.

INEC, in an extract issued on Monday and signed by the Director (Commission’s Secretariat), Ishiaku A. Gali, stated that on election day, its returning officer would declare Abah elected.