Sokoto Governorship Election Verdict Stands Firm as Court of Appeal Dismisses PDP’s Challenge

The Court of Appeal in Abuja delivered a decisive blow to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday, upholding the election victory of Governor Ahmad Aliyu in Sokoto State.

The appellate court rejected a petition filed by the PDP and its candidate, Saidu Umar, challenging the declaration of Aliyu, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the legitimate winner of the gubernatorial election held on March 18.

In a unanimous decision, a three-member panel of Justices affirmed the verdict of the Sokoto State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which had earlier validated Aliyu’s win.

The court found no grounds to disturb the tribunal’s decision.

The PDP and Umar had contested the eligibility of Governor Aliyu and his deputy, Idris Gobir, to participate in the election.

They alleged that the duo did not secure the majority of valid votes and cited irregularities, claiming the election did not comply with the Electoral Act 2022.

The tribunal, led by Justice Haruna Mshelia, dismissed the petition on September 30, stating that the petitioners failed to prove their allegations.

It deemed evidence presented by PDP witnesses incompetent and irrelevant, emphasizing that criminal allegations of forgery must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.

The Court of Appeal, in upholding the tribunal’s decision, concurred that most evidence presented by the petitioners was legally inadmissible.

It supported the tribunal’s decision to expunge irrelevant exhibits and upheld the dismissal of the petition.

With this ruling, Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s victory stands unchallenged, concluding a legal battle that questioned the integrity of the Sokoto State gubernatorial election.

The decision affirms the earlier mandate given to Aliyu by the electorate and underscores the legal soundness of the election process.

Source: Vanguard