FCT election Petitions tribunal last week upheld the election of Mr Isa Dara (PDP) as the Chairman of Bwari Area Council in the April 14, 2007 election.

Justice Ramatu Shehu, the tribunal Chairman, dismissed the petition filed by Mr Yahaya Isa, (ANPP) on the ground that he failed to establish his case before the tribunal.

She held that the petitioner also failed to prove most of the allegations he made beyond reasonable doubt.

"In the allegation of non-compliance with the Electoral Act, the petitioner has failed to provide evidence before the tribunal," Shehu said.

"The voters’ register would have helped the tribunal to ascertain whether voters were duly registered before the commencement of voting or not, but the petitioner has failed to provide it.

"On the allegation that the election was marred with corrupt practices, the petitioner has also failed to prove his case beyond reasonable doubt.

"Corrupt practices are criminal in nature and must be proved beyond reasonable doubt and for it to convince the tribunal, it must not be based on vague statement.

"Since the petitioner has failed to provide facts to convince the tribunal of the allegations he raised, the tribunal would not work with vague statement, but would rather dismiss the petition," Shehu said.

Shortly after the judgment, Dara told newsmen that the verdict was a clear demonstration of the president’s believe in the rule of law.

He said the petitioners were his brothers and that he was ready to work with them to move the area council forward.

The petitioner, however, told newsmen that he was not satisfied with the judgment, saying he would appeal against the verdict. (NAN).