Election tribunal dismisses case against Kwankwaso’s victory

THE election tribunal sitting in Kano has dismissed a case filed against the former governor of the state, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who is currently a Senator representing Kano Central Senatorial district, on the premise that the petitioner lacks locus standi to challenge Kwankwaso’s victory.

The Mega Progressives People’s Party (MPPP) petitioned Kwankwaso’s victory in the last general election, when he emerged as the senator from Kano Central zone, arguing that the election was marred by corrupt practices and other irregularities.

The Presiding Judge, who is also the chairman of the tribunal, Justice Colonius Ilorin Akintayo, leading other two judges during the sitting argued that the petitioner, MPPP has no basis to challenge Kwankwaso’s victory.

“Since the petitioner did not participate in the said election, because he was lawfully excluded from the process, he does not have any basis to challenge the outcome of the election under scrutiny,” he challenged.

Stressing that, “since he failed to prove his case, the petition is hereby dismissed.”

According to him, Kwankwaso’s victory was valid as a duly elected senator representing Kano Central Senatorial District.

On his part, the leading counsel to the petitioner, Barrister A. T. Falola, said he would report back on the judgement to his client and wait for the next line of action.

When asked whether they would appeal the judgement, Falola maintained that, “Ours is to communicate to the client. And matters go from one stage to another. If they wish to appeal that is their constitutional right.”