The Sokoto gubernatorial election petition tribunal, on Saturday, rejected the petition filed by Sa’idu Umar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against Governor Ahmed Aliyu and his deputy, Idris Gobir.
The petitioner, Mr. Umar, had contested the victory of Mr. Aliyu from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Mr. Gobir, alleging their lack of eligibility and electoral misconduct during the March 18, 2023, gubernatorial election.
In a unanimous verdict, Justice Haruna Mshelia, the tribunal chairman, declared that the petitioners failed to substantiate the six claims outlined in the petition. These claims pertained to allegations of the candidates’ ineligibility, certificate falsification, name variations, election irregularities, and non-adherence to electoral guidelines.
Furthermore, Justice Mshelia noted that the petitioners could not establish the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt, as required by the law. He pointed out that 70% of the evidence presented was unrelated, as it pertained to State Assembly elections conducted on the same dates.
To prove forgery, the law required the presentation of two different documents or individuals, which the petitioners failed to do. Regarding the issue of name variation, the Supreme Court provisions had already addressed it.
Additionally, Justice Mshelia found that three subpoenaed witnesses were not credible, as they were not the creators of the documents in question, and 28 polling unit agents who testified could not adequately identify themselves or their roles.
The alleged fraud in 138 polling units was not substantiated to show significant non-compliance that affected the election’s outcome.
Justice Mshelia concluded by dismissing all preliminary objections raised by the respondents regarding the competency of the case. He stated that the petitioners had properly connected the grounds in the petition.
In summary, the petition was dismissed due to a lack of merit and the petitioner’s failure to substantiate the allegations.
