Appeal Court affirms Uba Sani as Kaduna Governor

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has declared Uba Sani of Kaduna State the validly-elected governor in the March 18 election.

The appellate court affirmed the judgment of the State Election Petitions Tribunal, which earlier dismissed the petition of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Isa Ashiru, against the election of Governor Sani.

The court held that the Tribunal was right in dismissing the petition of the PDP and Mr Ashiru because the petitioners “abandoned their petition” due to their failure to apply for issuance of pre-hearing information sheet after close of pleadings as required by paragraph 18(1) of the first schedule to the Electoral Act, 2022.

It also held that the Tribunal acted in error when it depended on inadmissible evidence to order the conduct of supplementary polls in 22 polling units of four local government areas of the State where the exercise was deemed inconclusive.

The court stated that a key witness called by the PDP during the Tribunal hearing merely gave hearsay evidence as he was not present when the malpractices he alleged happened.

Gov Uba Sani hails judgement

Governor, Malam Uba Sani has applauded the Court of Appeal’s verdict for affirming Kaduna State Election Tribunal Judgement which upheld his victory as the winner of the 2023 Gubernatorial Elections in the State as well as dismissing the petition against him.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mohammed Lawal Sehu described the verdict as a win for democracy and a validation of the people’s will.

Expressing his joy and gratitude over the confirmation of his victory, Governor Sani, extended a hand of fellowship to all opposing sides in a bid to move Kaduna state forward in tandem with the SUSTAIN Kaduna agenda.

“I have always remained confident in our judicial process. It is now time to peacefully move forward and continue to work assiduously for the people of Kaduna without distractions as the task ahead of us is huge”, he said.

Additionally, Governor Uba Sani has promised to continue to encourage dialogue with all stakeholders and to maintain an open-door policy for well-meaning citizens.

SOURCE: FRCN