Victor EzejaThe Kaduna State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has dismissed the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its 2023 candidate, Isah Ashiru.
Ashiru and his party lodged the petition to challenge the declaration of Uba Sani of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of the March 18 gubernatorial election in the state.
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Ruling on the petition on Thursday, the three-man panel of judges, headed by Justice Victor Oviawie, said it was dismissed due to late submission which exceeded the constitutionally mandated seven-day timeframe.
Other members of the panel include Justices K. Damlat and N. Nonye.
Justice Victor Oviawie, who held that the preliminary notice was filed beyond the constitutionally mandated seven-day period from the filing of the main case, therefore, considered the petition abandoned.
While Justice Nonye agreed with the ruling, Justice Damlat disagreed, stating categorically that the preliminary notice had been correctly filed and was not abandoned.
Curiously, the tribunal judges observed that if the petition had not been dismissed for lack of merit, it would have included an order for a supplementary election to be held in 22 polling units within a 90-day timeframe as part of its substantive judgment.
Earlier reports had it that the tribunal sacked Gov. Uba Sani and ordered a rerun.
However, what led to that was the hypothetical statement by the judge that if the petition was valid, there would have been a rerun.
Meanwhile, Governor Sani and the APC has hailed the judgement, describing it as a win for democracy, the rule of law, validation of the people’s will and above all, God’s decree.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Muhammad Lawal Shehu, said the victory is a testament to the strength of the judicial institutions in the country and proud moment for the Sani as one of the pioneer advocates for democratic governance in Nigeria some decades ago.
The statement quoted the governor as saying: “I consider this verdict not only as a win but a call to action, a call to deliver on our campaign promises as captured in the SUSTAIN agenda.
“This victory is a testament to the strength of our great judicial institutions and a proud moment for me as one of the pioneer advocates for democratic governance in Nigeria decades ago.”
The governor and his deputy, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, thanked the people of the state for their support and belief in their mandate.
“Indeed, your unshaken loyalty and confidence in our administration is the propellant to ensuring we continue to deliver on our promises to you,” Governor Sani added.
The Governor while commending the tribunal judges for their diligence and steadfastness in handling the case, described their commitment to upholding truth, justice and the rule of law as exemplary.
He also thanked his legal team for their representation and the leadership of the APC, for their support during the tribunal proceedings.
Reacting to the judgement, counsel to the PDP, Barr. Baba Aliyu, said they are not satisfied with the ruling, adding that they wanted their client to win the case and be declared the winner of the election.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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