The Supreme Court has reserved judgment on an appeal filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Senator Aisha Dahiru, popularly known as Binani, challenging the outcome of the governorship election held in Adamawa State on March 18, according to Vanguard News report on Monday, 29th January, 2024....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
A five-member panel, led by Justice Inyang Okoro, adjourned the matter for judgment after all parties adopted their final briefs of argument.
Chief Akinolu Olujimi, SAN, leading the legal team for the appellants, urged the court to nullify Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s election, while Fintiri’s lawyer, Mr. Damian Dodo, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the appeal and uphold Fintiri’s victory.
Senator Dahiru maintained that she won the majority of valid votes and was validly declared the winner by the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner.
However, the appellate court dismissed her appeal, stating that it lacked competence and awarded a cost of N1 million against her.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Fintiri the winner with 430,861 votes, defeating Senator Dahiru who got 398,788 votes in a supplementary election.
Dissatisfied, Binani approached the tribunal, alleging corrupt practices and non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
The tribunal and appellate court, however, dismissed her petition, citing lack of credible evidence and incomplete records.
The appellate court emphasized that only a Returning Officer has the statutory power to declare election results.
The ongoing legal battle stems from INEC initially declaring the election inconclusive, ordering a supplementary poll.
During the supplementary poll collation, the suspended Adamawa REC, Hudu Yunusa-Ari, bypassed protocols and announced Binani as the winner. INEC voided Yunusa-Ari’s action, leading to his indefinite suspension.
The Supreme Court’s reserved judgment adds another chapter to the protracted Adamawa governorship tussle, leaving the political fate of Binani and Fintiri hanging in the balance…CONTINUE READING>>
