Appeal Court sacks Jibrin, orders fresh election

The Court of Appeal, sitting in Kaduna, yesterday, dismissed the verdict of the Election Petition Tribunal that declared the member representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency, Abdulmumin Jibrin, winner of this year’s election.

In her ruling, Justice Ajoke Adepoju said the result announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was mutilated, which presumed that the actual result was a hearsay, ruling that the declaration of Jibrin as winner of the election was as nullity. She, therefore, ordered a fresh election within 60 days. 

Aliyu Datti Yako of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had challenged the victory of Jibrin of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and a third term member of the House of Representatives.

The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, led by Justice Nayai Aganaba, on September 12 affirmed INEC’s declaration of Jibrin as winner.

Justice Aganaba held that the petition filed by the PDP candidate failed to substantiate allegation of multiple voting and violence, among claims leveled against INEC, APC and Jibrin.