Dino Melaye, lawmaker representing Kogi West at the Nigerian Senate has been sacked by an election tribunal sitting in Lokoja, the state capital.
The election that produced Mr Melaye who belongs to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was challenged by Smart Adeyemi, his rival who sought the seat on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
Mr Adeyemi hinged the petition on three grounds of irregularities, overvoting and non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).
In nullifying the exercise on Friday, the tribunal ordered for a fresh election to be conducted to ascertain the authentic winner.
The tribunal said only a fresh election would settle the disputes that emanated from the conduct of the election.
It, therefore, ordered INEC to conduct a fresh election for the senatorial district within 90 days.
Mr Melaye is, however, expected to continue in office until the appeal or supreme court determines the case.
Meanwhile, the lawmaker has expressed willingness to appeal the decision of the election tribunal.
”No cause for alarm at all. Even if it went my way they will still go to the Appeal Court. Our mandate cannot be taken. We will get judgment at the Appeal Court,” Melaye said in a tweet.
He is an aspirant seeking to contest the governorship election of the state in November, where he will be challenging the re-election of his arch rival, Yahaya Bello, seeking another term in office.
