In a series of decisive judgments, various election petition tribunals have solidified the dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria, confirming their victories in 10 states following the March 18 governorship elections.
The APC has emerged victorious in the states of Gombe, Cross River, Benue, Lagos, Kano, Ogun, Ebonyi, Kaduna, Kebbi, and Sokoto.
In Gombe, the tribunal upheld Muhammadu Yahaya’s re-election as governor, dismissing petitions by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Jibrin Barde, and the African Democratic Congress.
In Cross River, Senator Bassey Otu’s election victory as governor, and Peter Odey as deputy governor, was affirmed as the tribunal dismissed Prof. Sandy Onor’s petition.
Benue’s state election petition tribunal dismissed Titus Uba’s PDP petition against Hyacinth Alia of the APC, stating that allegations of forgery should be brought before the tribunal.
Lagos’ governorship election tribunal upheld Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s victory while dismissing petitions by Olajide Adediran and Rhodes-Vivour.
Kano’s tribunal ruled in favor of the APC’s Nasiru Gawuna, triggering an appeal from incumbent governor Abba Yusuf.
Ogun’s tribunal affirmed Governor Dapo Abiodun’s victory, dismissing petitions by the PDP’s Ladi Adebutu.
In Ebonyi, Francis Nwifuru’s position as governor was reaffirmed as the tribunal dismissed Bernard Odoh’s petition.
Kaduna’s tribunal upheld Uba Sani’s victory as governor, ruling against the PDP and Isah Ashiru for premature filing.
Sokoto’s tribunal affirmed Ahmed Aliyu’s election as governor.
The Election Petitions Tribunal in Birnin Kebbi reaffirmed Nasir Idris as Kebbi State’s governor, dismissing the PDP’s challenge.
PDP Secures Wins in 11 States
On the other side, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has secured victories in 11 states, including Plateau, Zamfara, Bauchi, Enugu, Nasarawa, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Taraba, Oyo, Adamawa, and Rivers.
Caleb Mutfwang’s election as governor of Plateau State was upheld by the tribunal.
The Zamfara State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal affirmed Dauda Lawal of the PDP as the governor of Zamfara.
Bauchi’s tribunal confirmed Bala Mohammed’s election as governor.
In Enugu, Peter Mbah of the PDP’s victory as governor was upheld.
Nasarawa’s tribunal annulled Governor Sule’s election, declaring David Ombugadu of the PDP the rightful winner.
Delta’s tribunal upheld Sheriff Oborevwori of the PDP’s victory.
In Akwa Ibom, Pastor Umoh Eno of the PDP’s election was affirmed as the tribunal dismissed Akanimo Udofia’s petition.
Taraba’s tribunal upheld Agbu Kefas as the governor of the state.
In Oyo, Seyi Makinde’s election as governor was confirmed.
Adamawa’s tribunal upheld Ahmadu Fintiri of the PDP as governor.
Rivers State Governor Similayi Fubara’s election was validated by the tribunal in Abuja.
In Abia, Governor Alex Otti’s election victory was affirmed by the state election tribunal.
With judgments delivered in 22 states, six states are awaiting tribunal rulings, including Borno, Jigawa, Katsina, Kwara, Niger, and Yobe.
Stay tuned for further updates on the ongoing election petition tribunal rulings across Nigeria.