- The Kaduna Governorship Election Petition Tribunal will announce its verdict today on the PDP’s challenge against the APC’s victory in the 2023 election
- Both parties hope for a favourable judgment as they await the tribunal’s decision
The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Kaduna will deliver its decision today on the petition brought before it by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Isa Ashiru, challenging the victory of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) governor, Uba Sani, in the 2023 general election.
It was reported that party faithful and political players are concerned, especially after the Kano State tribunal ruled against the sitting governor.
Uba Sani had petitioned the Kaduna Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, through his lead counsel, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Bayo Ojo (SAN), to dismiss the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Isa Ashiru.
In response to the governor’s petition to the tribunal, Ashiru presented 24 witnesses to testify in the suit through his counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN).
According to Uba in his final speech through his attorney: “The petitioners had helped in proving he won the poll fair and square, pointing in particular to the admission of a star witness for the petitioner, Bonett Gwazah, a senior system analyst (SSA) in the VR/ICT Department of INEC in Kaduna State.”
According to Isa Ashiru of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his party, “we were robbed of our victory, and we are committed to reclaiming our stolen mandate as well as providing evidence to that effect while the case lasts.”
“Some of the results were manipulated in favour of the ruling party, the APC,” said Comrade Danjuma Sarki, the PDP’s returning officer at the time of the election and collation of results. “That is why we are challenging the outcome and pronouncement of Senator Uba Sani as the winner of the election.”
He expressed hope that the tribunal would restore the party’s mandate, which he claimed was granted by the good people of Kaduna State through their votes.
Oluwole Iyamu SAN, the lead counsel for Isa Ashiru of the PDP, and Chief Duri Adeyele (SAN), the lead counsel for Governor Uba Sani of the APC, are also hopeful that the judgment will be in their favour and for their clients.
Today, the contenders will find out who won the election when the three-man tribunal led by Justice Victor O. Oviawe issues its decision.