Kaduna Tribunal Declares Governorship Election Inconclusive

In a verdict that has left Kaduna State’s political landscape in suspense, the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has declared the 2023 governorship election inconclusive.

The tribunal, led by Justice Victor Oviawe, rendered this decision with a split ratio of 2:1, resulting in a call for supplementary elections within 90 days.

The PDP’s Challenge

The petition was filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Isah Mohammed Ashiru, challenging the victory of Uba Sani, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the March 18, 2023 governorship election.

The PDP’s arguments were rooted in allegations of irregularities and electoral fraud. They contended that their candidate, Isa Mohammed Ashiru, was the rightful winner of the election. To support their claims, the PDP and Ashiru presented 24 witnesses and a plethora of documents during the petition hearing.

Tribunal’s Verdict

The tribunal’s decision has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the political landscape in Kaduna. The declaration of an inconclusive election is a rare occurrence in Nigerian politics and has raised questions about the credibility of the electoral process in the state.

The tribunal ruled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should conduct elections in seven wards across four local governments, involving 24 polling units with approximately 16,300 registered voters.

Implications for Kaduna Politics

This development has far-reaching implications for Kaduna politics. The APC, which had initially celebrated its victory, must now prepare for a supplementary election. The PDP, on the other hand, sees this decision as a glimmer of hope in its quest to claim the governorship seat.

The uncertainty surrounding the supplementary election raises questions about the stability of governance in Kaduna State. It also emphasizes the importance of conducting free and fair elections that leave no room for legal challenges.

• ENUGU: INEC fails to produce witnesses in governorship Election Petition Tribunal
• Political Turmoil Unfolds as Kaduna State Governor Rejects Ministerial Nominee
• Seminarian Burned Alive as Bandits Torch Catholic Parish House in Kaduna
• PhD Opportunity: Exploring Climate Change Politics with Artificial Intelligence
• Obasanjo Calls for Clean Elections , Christian Participation in Politics
• Confusion Surrounds Kaduna Tribunal Ruling as APC , PDP Claim Victory

As Kaduna State awaits the supplementary election, the eyes of the nation will remain fixed on the state’s political landscape. The outcome will not only determine the governorship but will also have a lasting impact on the credibility of the electoral process in Nigeria.

One thing is clear: Kaduna’s politics is far from settled, and the people of the state will play a crucial role in shaping its future through their votes.