The Jigawa State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Dutse, has dismissed the All Progressives Congress, APC, petition seeking to annul the victory of the member representing Birnin Kudu constituency, Muhammad Kabiru Yayannan, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
The three-member panel on Monday, in a unanimous decision led by Justice Agada Okeke, dismissed the APC’s petition filed by Surajo Muhammad Kantoga and affirmed the PDP candidate as the duly elected member representing the Birnin Kudu constituency.
Kantoga had earlier asked the tribunal to withdraw Yayannan’s Certificate of Return and declare him as the winner of the March 18 election.
The petitioners alleged that the PDP candidate was not qualified to contest the election and the election was not in compliance with the provision of the Electoral Act, 2022.
Justice Agada said the petitioners failed to prove the case of irregularities alleged in the petition and therefore dismissed the petition for lack of merit.
Counsel to the defendant, Laminu Bala, expressed satisfaction over the tribunal judgment.
Counsel to the petitioner, Abdurrahman Muktar, said they will look at the judgment and decide on the next line of action.
