In a significant development, the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Kaduna has nullified the victory of Governor Uba Sani from the All Progressives Congress (APC). The petition challenging the election results was filed by the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate, Isah Mohammed Ashiru.
The tribunal, led by Justice Victor Oviawe, delivered a split decision with a ratio of 2:1, ruling that the 2023 governorship election held in the state on March 18, 2023, was inconclusive. As a result, the tribunal directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a supplementary election within 90 days.
The PDP had based its case on alleged irregularities and electoral fraud, firmly asserting that their candidate, Isa Mohammed Ashiru, was the rightful winner of the election.
According to the tribunal’s ruling, INEC is tasked with conducting elections in seven wards, spanning four local government areas, and involving 24 polling units, which collectively represent 16,300 registered voters.
Throughout the petition’s hearing, the PDP and Ashiru presented a strong case, calling upon 24 witnesses and providing substantial claims and documents to support their argument. This decision ushers in a new phase in Kaduna State’s political landscape, raising anticipation for the upcoming supplementary election.
