The Sokoto Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has reserved judgment in the petition filed by Sa’idu Umar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against Governor Ahmed Aliyu and his deputy, Idris Gobir. The petitioner is challenging the election of Governor Aliyu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Gobir, citing alleged non-qualification and electoral fraud during the March 18 governorship election.
Lead Counsel to the petitioner, Aare Akinboro SAN, presented evidence and witnesses that proved gross irregularities in the election, which was marred by violence. He highlighted the discrepancy in Gov. Aliyu’s secondary school and university certificates, compared to the documents presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Akinboro urged the tribunal to consider records from various government agencies, such as the School Register of Town Primary School, Sabon Birni, and the Federal Ministry of Education, to support their claims.
The petitioners successfully established facts through the testimony of 32 competent witnesses, including INEC officials, the State PDP chairman, and the headmaster of the Town Model Primary School Sabon Birni. Akinboro dismissed the respondents’ preliminary objections on the competency of the case and argued for the admissibility of the documents tendered.
On the other hand, the respondents led by Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, disagreed with the petitioner’s arguments and urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition. Olanipekun stated that they have presented relevant documents and witnesses in accordance with the applicable laws. Hassan Liman SAN, the APC Counsel, argued that the variation in the candidate’s name does not invalidate their qualification.
The tribunal has reserved judgment and will communicate the date to the parties in September. The petitioners are seeking either the nullification of Gov. Aliyu’s election and the declaration of Umar as the winner, or a new election excluding the respondents.
NAN
