The Sokoto Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has reached a verdict standstill in the legal case filed by Sa’idu Umar of the Peoples Democratic Party against Governor Ahmed Aliyu and his deputy, Idris Gobir.
The tribunal, presided over by Justice Haruna Mshelia, held that judgment would be deferred to a later date, to be communicated to the parties involved, likely in September.
The lawsuit was brought forward by Umar, contesting the election of Governor Aliyu, representing the All Progressives Congress, and Gobir. Umar alleges non-qualification and electoral misconduct in the governorship election that transpired on March 18.
During the hearing, Aare Akinboro SAN, the lead counsel for the petitioner, presented his concluding statements. Akinboro implored the tribunal to carefully assess the evidence and witness testimonies from party agents that pointed to significant irregularities in the election, often marred by violence.
Akinboro further pressed the tribunal to consider records pertaining to Aliyu’s secondary school and university certificates.
He cited the school register of Town Primary School, Sabon Birni, from 1986 to 1987, and a letter from Town Model Primary School, both in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State. Akinboro stressed that records from relevant educational authorities should be closely examined.
Akinboro contended that the petitioners had successfully established their claims with 32 credible witnesses, including officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the state PDP chairman, and other key figures.
He requested the tribunal to dismiss objections regarding the case’s competence and the admissibility of documents, deeming them pertinent and pertinent to the matter at hand.
The petitioner’s legal counsel asserted that the respondents were not qualified to contest the election, urging the tribunal to void Aliyu’s election and declare Umar the winner of the March 18, 2023 governorship election.
However, the respondents’ legal team, led by Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, disputed the arguments made by the petitioners. Olanipekun maintained that the relevant documents and appropriate witnesses had been presented in accordance with legal guidelines.
He urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition entirely.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the verdict will undoubtedly have profound implications for the Sokoto State political landscape, shaping the course of governance and representation in the region.
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