How Kaduna Governor Reacted To Appeal Court Judgment Affirming His Victory

Senator Uba Sani, the Kaduna State Governor, has hailed the Court of Appeal’s verdict affirming his victory at the March 18, 2023 governorship election in the state.

The Peoples Democratic Party and its candidate,  Isah Ashiru, had challenged the declaration of Sani by the Independent National Electoral Commission as the winner of the election in the North-West state.

The INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Lawal Bilbis, who announced the result, had said the APC candidate polled 730,002 votes while his closest rival, Ashiru of the PDP scored 719,196 votes.

He added that the Labour Party candidate, Jonathan Asake, polled 58,283 to come third while the New Nigeria Peoples Party candidate, Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, came a distant fourth with 21,405 votes while rejected votes stood at 19,114.

However, dissatisfied with the ruling, the PDP and its candidate appealed the judgment of the tribunal.

But the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on Friday affirmed the  Justice Victor Oviawe-led three-man election tribunal judgment which upheld  Sani’s victory.

While expressing joy and gratitude at the confirmation of his victory by the Appeal Court, Sani also extended a hand of fellowship to all opposing sides in a bid to move the state forward in tandem with the #SUSTAINKaduna agenda.

This was according to a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mohammed Shehu released to newsmen in Kaduna on Friday.

The governor praised the diligence and thoroughness of both the tribunal and the appellate court while noting that he’s always confident in the nation’s judicial process.

He said, “Today, I received the news of the Appeal Court verdict. I acknowledge and appreciate the diligence and thoroughness of the Kaduna State Elections Petition Tribunal and the Appeal Court for arriving at this verdict today.

“I have always remained confident in our judicial process. It is now time to peacefully move forward and continue to work assiduously for the people of Kaduna without distractions as the task ahead of us is huge.

“The Deputy Governor, Dr  Hadiza Balarabe, and my humble self appreciate the All Progressives Congress family, and the good people of Kaduna for their unflinching support during this entire process

“I urge my brothers in the opposition to accept this verdict in good faith and as the will of the people. It is time to come together as one to move our great state forward.”

Sani promised to continue to encourage dialogue with all stakeholders and to maintain an open-door policy.