The Kaduna governorship election petition tribunal has dismissed the pre-hearing notice of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the party’s flagbearer, Isa Ashiru, over abandonment.
In a split decision of 2 to 1 ratio, the panel, in its ruling, said the petitioners could not file their pre-hearing notice as stipulated by the law.
To this end, the tribunal upheld the preliminary objection filed by Uba Sani of APC on the timeliness of the pre-hearing notice filed by the PDP and its candidate, Isah Mohammed Ashiru.
On the main petition, the tribunal upheld the non-compliance to the dictate of the Electoral Act 2022 and the manipulation of election results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
It noted that the petition was duly filed within 21 days, as required by the law, as against the claim of the respondents, Gov. Uba Sani and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Therefore, the tribunal affirmed that the petition was filed on 10 April 2023.
Looking at the case’s merit, the tribunal ordered a rerun in 22 polling units in seven wards across four local government areas of the State.
The tribunal also held that the re-run election should be held within 90 days from the date of the judgment.
Meanwhile, the state governor, Senator Uba Sani, has said the judgement was a clear affirmation of the popular mandate given to him by the state’s people.
In a statement he signed he said, “I am extremely delighted and humbled by the ruling of the Election Petition Tribunal affirming my victory in the 2023 Kaduna State Governorship Elections.
“The judgement is an unequivocal affirmation of the popular mandate graciously given to me by the good people of Kaduna State. I commend the Tribunal for their thoroughness and lucidity. They have enriched our jurisprudence and practice of electoral democracy.
“I also commend my dear brother, Hon. Isah Ashiru Kudan, for approaching the Tribunal to ventilate his grievances. This clearly demonstrates his belief in the principles of democracy and the imperative of civility in the conduct of political actors.
“I call on Hon. Isah Ashiru and members of the opposition parties in Kaduna State to join hands with us as we strive to move our dear state to a higher level.
“We are all stakeholders in PROJECT KADUNA. It is not about personal glory. Our people want all hands on deck to address the state’s myriad challenges.
“If political actors are united, a clear signal will be sent to our people that our state’s quest for peace, security, progress and development are the driving forces of our participation in politics.
“I call on our party faithful to moderate their celebration of this victory. They must individually and collectively extend an olive branch to our brothers and sisters in other political parties. Instead of celebrating, we should pray to the Almighty God for His continued guidance and protection. Let us focus on the tasks ahead.
Also reacting to the judgement, the PDP had said this was not what they envisaged as they expected the tribunal to declare their flagbearer, Isa Ashiru, winner of the gubernatorial election.
Speaking in an interview, the state secretary of the party, Ibrahim Aliyu Wusono, remarked, “The tribunal said the election was inconclusive and directed for a supplementary election in Chikun, Kaduna South, Kaduna North and Lere.
“Well, in the next couple of days, the party leaders, stakeholders and gubernatorial candidate will meet with our lawyers to decide the next line of action.
He advised the party faithful to remain calm and wait for further directives.
. TheWitness
