JUST IN: APC Gov Fights To Retain His Seat, Makes Key Demand Ahead Of S’Court Final Judgment

Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State has made a key demand from the Supreme Court ahead of its final judgment.

The embattled Governor, in a bid to retain his seat, urged the Supreme Court to dismiss the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Sa’adu Umar, challenging his election.

Aliyu’s lawyer, Wole Olanipekun SAN, argued that the Tribunal and the Court of Appeal were correct in dismissing the petition for lack of merit. Olanipekun stated that none of the allegations against the election was substantiated, making the appeal liable for dismissal. The APC and INEC also supported the dismissal.

However, the appellants pleaded with the court to find merit in the appeal. The Supreme Court reserved judgment after hearing arguments from both sides.

Wole Olanipekun SAN emphasized, “None of the allegations raised against the election of his client was established as required by law,” during the hearing.

Sunday Ibrahim Ameh SAN, lead counsel to the appellants, argued that the case was meritorious and should be allowed.

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, leading a five-man panel of Justices, announced that the judgment delivery date would be communicated when ready.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja had affirmed Ahmad Aliyu’s election as Governor of Sokoto State on November 27, 2023, dismissing the PDP’s appeal challenging his victory. The panel found no reason to disturb the tribunal’s verdict upholding the Governor’s victory.

Sa’adu Umar alleged that the Governor and his Deputy forged certificates presented to INEC to qualify for the election. The Election Petition Tribunal had earlier dismissed the PDP’s petition for failure to prove the formulated grounds.