By Abubakar Garba
The Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Sokoto on Friday dismissed petition filed by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and it’s Sokoto East Senatorial candidate , Hon. Shuaibu Gwanda challenging the validity of the election that brought Ibrahim Lamido as senator representing the area in February 15th 2023 general election.
Delivering the verdict, the lead Judge of the 3 man tribunal panel Justice Emmanuel A. Ubua, on behalf of the two Judges unanimously dismissed the petition for lack of substance, saying that the petitioners failed to prove their Petition beyond reasonable doubt.
Justice Abua further said the petitioners failed to provide adequate facts and evidence to convince the tribunal on reasons challenging the validity of the election that brought Alhaji Ibrahim Lamido as duly elected Senator in February 2023 general election.
According to him, the petitioners are challenging the academic qualifications of senator Ibrahim Lamido.
“In the petition, the PDP and their candidate were alledging that Senator Lamido did not attend any schools as such he did not have the primary and secondary schools certificates as he is claiming .” Says the presiding judge.
“The petitioners also complained that Sen. Ibrahim Lamido is also using name which ceased to exist as his official name “.
The Petitioners also alledged that the electoral malpractises was witnessed in some polling units across eight local government areas that comprised the Sokoto East Senatorial District.”
Justice Abua, therefore awarded the petitioners as penalty the sum of N1million to be paid to Sen. Lamido for wasting his previous time .
Responding shortly after the judgment, Sen. Ibrahim Lamido commended the judiciary for upholding the most free and fair election in the area.
He also commeded APC for their loyalty and support.
“My victory and success at the Tribúnal is for all the people of the Sokoto East Senatorial District as well as the entire state .
“I will strive more to provide more dividends of democracy to my constituents and the people of state.
“I urged members of the opposition PDP to rally round and contribute towards the development of the area ravaged by insecurity.
“I will soon unveil many programmes that would touch the lives of the people especially, ending security challenges which has become a source of concern in the area.
Vanguard
