ABEOKUTA/SOKOTO, September 30, 2023 – The incumbent governors of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, are set to learn their political fates on Saturday as election petition tribunals in both states deliver judgments on challenges to their respective election victories.
In Ogun State, the state Election Petition Tribunal has scheduled today for the judgment in a petition brought by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu. They are contesting Abiodun’s re-election after the March 18 governorship poll.
The tribunal communicated the judgment date to the involved parties on Thursday, confirming the long-awaited decision. The tribunal’s Chairman, Justice Hamidu Kunaza, had reserved judgment after both parties presented their written arguments on September 4, 2023.
Adebutu and the PDP are disputing Abiodun’s election victory, as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the March 18 governorship election.
Similarly, the Sokoto Governorship Election Petition Tribunal is also set to announce its judgment today regarding the election of Governor Ahmed Aliyu. The tribunal had previously reserved judgment in August on the petition against the governor and his Deputy, Idris Gobir, filed by Sa’idu Umar of the PDP.
Justice Haruna Mshelia, the tribunal’s Chairman, postponed the judgment date after the parties concluded their final written arguments in September. Umar’s petition alleges non-qualification and electoral fraud during the March 18 governorship election.
In Sokoto, the state police have issued a ban on any form of procession or celebration before and after the governorship election tribunal’s judgment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and order during this period. The ban was announced by the state’s Commissioner of Police, Ali Kaigama, who warned that any processions or gatherings violating the law or disrupting peace would not be tolerated.
These judgments mark significant milestones in Nigeria’s political landscape, with citizens and stakeholders keenly awaiting the outcomes.