*APC, PDP claim victory
By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON & FUNMI ADERINTO, Kaduna
Confusion has trailed the ruling of the Kadunà State Governorship election petition tribunal as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) are both claiming victory.
This follows the verdict delivered via zoom in Kadunà yesterday, where two justices declared the election inconclusive, while ordering a rerun, while one upheld the victory of the APC at the March 18, 2023 polls.
Governor Uba Sani in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Muhammad Lawal Shehu, lauded the tribunal for its verdict, which he described as a welcome development.
“Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani has welcomed the judgment of the Kaduna State Election Petition Tribunal which upheld his election in the March 18, 2023 Gubernatorial Elections, describing the verdict as a win for democracy, the rule of law,validation of the people’s will and above all,God’s decree.
“On this historic day, I join the people of Kaduna state to celebrate this monumental victory for democracy” the Governor stated.
“I consider this verdict not only as a win but a call to action,a call to deliver on our campaign promises as captured in the SUSTAIN agenda .This victory is a testament to the strength of our great judicial institutions and a proud moment for me as one of the pioneer advocates for democratic governance in Nigeria decades ago.
“The Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe and I, express our immense gratitude to the good people of Kaduna State for their prayers, support and firm belief in our mandate.
“Indeed, your unshaken loyalty and confidence in our administration is the propellant to ensuring we continue to deliver on our promises to you.” Governor Sani added.
The governor while commending the tribunal judges for their diligence and steadfastness in handling the case, described their commitment to upholding truth, justice and the rule of law as exemplary.
Additionally, he thanked his erudite legal team for their representation, and praised the leadership and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for their unflinching support from the beginning of the tribunal.
“Finally, in the spirit of togetherness, Governor Uba Sani has resolved to continue to encourage dialogue with all stakeholders irrespective of political divides, he also promised to maintain an open-door policy to well-meaning citizens to move our great state forward,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, in a counter statement issued sane day, the Gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Rt. Hon. Isa Mohammed Ashiru, also claimed victory of the verdict at the tribunal.
In the statement personally signed by him, titled, “Tribunal Nullifes Uba Sani’s Election” Ashiru said that based on on the majority of ratio 2:1 verdict, judges nullified the election.
“First, I give glory to God Almighty for the progress made so far in our effort to reclaim the mandate given to us by the good people of Kaduna State. I also thank the people of the state for widely believing in me and the PDP.
“Also, given the ruling of the Kaduna state election tribunal, it has become necessary to share with our teaming supporters, the true position of the ruling.
“On the preliminary objection, the tribunal, based on the majority of 2:1 judges upheld the preliminary objection of the respondent to the effect that the application for pre-hearing was done prematurely i.e. before the service of the last set of petitioners’ reply to the 2nd respondent’s reply to the petition was served.
“However, the law enjoins the tribunal, as a trial court, to proceed to pronounce on the merit of the substantive suit so that in the event the court of appeal finds that the trial tribunal was wrong in its decision on the preliminary objection, it would have the benefit of pronouncing on the decision of the tribunal in the substantive matter.
“Accordingly, the trial tribunal finds merit in the aspect of the petitioner’s case relative to the margin of win between the two leading candidates.
“The tribunal by a split decision of 2:1 accordingly, nullified the election of the governor of Kaduna state, ordered that the Certificate of Return be retrieved and fresh elections be conducted in some polling units in 4 LGAs and the outcome thereof be reckoned with before the declaration of the winner of the governorship election in Kaduna State.
I want to again thank the people of the state while urging them all to remain law abiding while we pursue the appeal process.
“One thing I can assure the good people Kaduna state is that I will pursue this mandate you freely gave me to its logical conclusion and by the grace of God, victory on our side,” he declared.
