There is tension in Sokoto state as the fate of the overall head of government of the state would be decided today at the election petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja as a result of an application filed by the runner-up to challenge the victory of the winner of 2019 state governorship contest.
WITHIN NIGERIA learnt that the State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal moved its sitting to Abuja for alleged security reasons yet there are visible fears and tensions everywhere in Sokoto state as residents both party members and normal citizens as they look forward to the decision of the tribunal.
There are reports that top party chieftains and members of two major parties in Nigeria, the ruling party and opposition party have moved to the Federal Capital since two days ago to witness the judgement.
Hundreds of ardent supporters and party loyalists have been thrown into confusion as they await the verdict of the tribunal between the two major contenders, the former speaker of House of Representatives and sitting governor of the state, Aminu Waziri Tambuwaal of the People Democratic Party (PDP) and the runner-up in the election, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto (APC).
A closer look at the state of things in Sokoto state, one would easily notice the tension as what might be the verdict of the tribunal has become a subject of discussion at every junction of the state and every man has become either a judge or political analyst.
However, there were speculations that some elements may forment trouble or alleged political thugs who have tendency to disrupt the peace of the state if the verdict does not bend towards their interest which has made the security agencies in the state to intensify efforts and display the readiness of show of force to clampdown any form of violence across flashpoints in the state as a proactive measure.
There are indications that the verdict of the tribunal might put an end to political permutations, exchange of batters and would allow whoever emerges to face governance squarely. The verdict would also reduce the tension among loyalists especially unending political arguments and fights between opposing party members in the state.
As much as people would look to come out and discuss the tribunal verdict and possible decision of the court, the early morning torrential rainfall has forced many residents to remain indoor.