Governorship Election Tribunal sitting in Birnin-Kebbi, on Thursday, dismissed the petition of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and affirmed the victory of Nasiru Irdris of the APC as the duly elected Governor of the State.
In his judgment which lasted for five hours, the Tribunal Judge, Justice Ofem I. Ofem expressed that the accusation of certificate forgery can not be proved by the opposition, so the alleged irregularities in the voting process could not be proved beyond knowledgeable reasons.
Justice Ofem dismissed the allegation of non-resignation of the Governor as a Teacher before contesting election, describing such as the prerogative of his party to decide and not election issue.
He therefore dismissed Major-General Aminu Bande and PDP petition and therefore upheld the victory of APC and its Governorship candidate saying that “the candidate of APC, Comrade Nasir Idris is thereby confirmed as fully elected Governor of Kebbi State.”
While addressing newsmen, the Counsel to INEC, Usman O. Sule (SAN) said the three-member Justices of the Tribunal led by Justice Ofem had worked assiduously behind the clock to arrive at today’s judgement as kudos to them.
In his own part, counsel to PDP, Barrister Nura Bello said he objected to the decision and judgment of the Court but will consult his clients to know the next line of action, saying it is their constitutional right to appeal the judgment.
Expressing his joy over the judgment, the State Governor, Comrade Nasir Idris who spoke through his Commissioner of Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed, while addressing Journalists called on the opposition party to join hands with his administration to move the State to the next level.
Governor Idris described the Tribunal verdict as victory for democracy and transformation of the State by upholding the rule of law, noting that despite differences in the contest, “no victor, no vanquished”.
“Put partisanship aside and give hands of cooperation and develop the State, going further to appeal the judgment is needless though appeal is constitutional right in an established democracy,” he added.
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