The Sokoto Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has reserved judgment in a petition challenging the election of Governor Ahmed Aliyu and his deputy, Idris Gobir, both of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The petition was filed by Sa’idu Umar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Umar is alleging non-qualification and electoral fraud in the March 18 governorship election.
The tribunal, chaired by Justice Haruna Mshelia, reserved judgment after the parties adopted their final written addresses. The date for the judgment will be communicated to the parties in September.
During the tribunal proceedings, the petitioner’s lead counsel, Aare Akinboro SAN, presented evidence and witnesses that he argued demonstrated gross irregularities and violence during the election. He highlighted discrepancies in Governor Aliyu’s educational certificates and presented records from various educational institutions. The petitioner’s legal team called on the tribunal to consider these pieces of evidence and to dismiss preliminary objections to the case’s competency.
In response, the respondents’ counsel led by Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN argued against the petitioner’s claims and called for the dismissal of the petition.
The petitioner is seeking the nullification of Governor Aliyu’s election and the declaration of Umar as the winner of the governorship election. The petitioner also requested the tribunal to order the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue a new certificate of return to Umar or to order a new election, excluding the respondents.
The judgment of the tribunal will have significant implications for the outcome of the Sokoto governorship election and the political landscape in the state.