The Taraba State governorship election petitions tribunal sitting in Jalingo, has upheld the victory of Governor Agbu Kefas from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
This decision comes in response to a petition filed by Prof. Sani Yahaya, the governorship candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and his party, challenging Governor Kefas and the PDP’s electoral victory.
The petition contended that the governorship election held on March 18, 2023, was marred by extensive irregularities, including alleged over-voting, non-compliance with the Electoral Act by INEC, and the alleged diversion of votes from Prof. Yahaya and the NNPP to Governor Kefas and the PDP.
Prof. Yahaya sought to have Governor Kefas’ victory nullified and be declared the rightful winner of the election.
However, the three-member Tribunal panel, led by Justice GA Sumonu, dismissed the petition due to a lack of substantial evidence.
Justice Sumonu, in delivering the verdict, noted that during cross-examination, Prof. Yahaya’s legal representation couldn’t provide detailed explanations for many of the allegations against INEC and Governor Kefas.
Given the failure to substantiate claims of over-voting, the Tribunal ruled that the petition lacked merit and consequently struck it out.