The Supreme Court has made a significant ruling by dismissing the appeal brought by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Umar Ardo, regarding the 2023 Adamawa governorship election against Governor Ahmadu Fintiri.
In a decisive move, the five-member panel, led by Justice John Okoro, dismissed the appeal following the withdrawal of the case by the appellants’ counsel. This development came after Justice Helen Ogunwumiju highlighted the appeal’s incompetence.
The court emphasized that the petitioners’ insignificant vote count of about 6,000 failed to demonstrate how the alleged electoral non-compliance affected them or the election outcome on March 18 and April 16 rerun governorship election in Adamawa State.
Sylvester Imanogbe, the counsel for the appellants, recognized the court’s stance and swiftly made an oral application for the appeal’s withdrawal. Notably, the respondents did not oppose the withdrawal, leading to the appeal’s ultimate dismissal by Presiding Justice John Okoro.
This ruling leaves Governor Fintiri with the appeal filed by the All Progressives Congress and its candidate, Aishatu Dahiru, who seek to be declared as the governor of the state.
This decision by the Supreme Court holds substantial implications for the electoral landscape and governance in Adamawa State. It solidifies Governor Fintiri’s position while setting the stage for the pending appeal from the All Progressives Congress.
The court’s proceedings reflect the depths of electoral disputes and the critical role of the judiciary in upholding democratic processes. As the legal battles unfold, the implications of these rulings are poised to shape the political trajectory of Adamawa State and resonate throughout Nigeria.
With the Supreme Court’s latest pronouncement, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on the unfolding political drama in Adamawa, underscoring the enduring significance of the judiciary in the nation’s democratic framework.
