Court of Appeal strikes out Dino Melaye's suit opening the way for fresh Kogi West election

SENATOR Dino Melaye of Kogi West Senatorial District is going to have to face a tough rescheduled election after Nigeria's Court of Appeal rejected his appeal against the election tribunal ruling nullifying his victory and ordering a re-run.

In February's elections, Senator Melaye stood as the Peoples Democratic party (PDP) candidate and defeated Smart Adeyemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by 85,395 votes to 66,901 votes. Consequently, Senator Melaye, was duly sworn-in as the lawmaker representing the district.

However, Mr Adeyemi challenged the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (Inec) and in August the tribunal ruled in his favour. In his petition, Mr Smart cited irregularities, over-voting and non-compliance with the dictates of the Nigerian Electoral Act.

After hearing his case, in a unanimous decision, the three-man panel led by Justice AO Chijioke ordered a re-election in the senatorial zone.  However, Senator Melaye, challenged the ruling at the Appeal Court but today his appeal was rejected, so Inec will now proceed with organising a re-run in Kogi West Senatorial District.

Senator Melaye said: "I just lost my election at the Appeal Court and fresh election ordered. In all things, I give God the praise. He who started a good thing will definitely complete it. I ask my supporters to be law-abiding as we shall always overcome. To God be the glory.”