The first objection raised by Sani’s legal team focused on the timeliness of the PDP and Ashiru’s petition, arguing it was filed beyond the stipulated 21-day period as per the law. However, the tribunal affirmed that the petition was filed within the allowed timeframe, specifically on April 10, 2023.
Consequently, the three-member panel headed by Justice Victor Oviawe dismissed Governor Uba Sani’s petition, the second respondent in the case.
In the second objection, the respondents contended that the petitioners had abandoned their case. However, the tribunal ruled against this motion.
With these preliminary matters settled, the tribunal has now shifted its focus towards the core petition. The PDP is challenging Uba Sani’s election as the Governor of Kaduna State, alleging irregularities and electoral fraud, and asserting that their candidate, Isa Mohammed Ashiru, was the rightful winner of the election.
Throughout the hearing of the petition, the PDP and Ashiru presented 24 witnesses and provided claims and documents to substantiate their case. During the closing of the hearing, all parties presented their final written addresses. Uba Sani’s legal team, led by Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN, argued that the petition inadvertently aided in establishing his victory in the March 18 governorship election.
On the other hand, the PDP and Ashiru, in their final address, contended that conflicting election results had emerged from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), holding INEC accountable for result manipulation. They further alleged overvoting and abuse of electoral processes, seeking the reversal of INEC’s declaration that led to Governor Uba Sani’s assumption of office. (Adapted from The Nation reports)
