Why Court of Appeal Upheld Uba Sani’s Victory in Kaduna Governorship Election

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed Uba Sani’s position as the governor of Kaduna State, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC). The decision comes after a thorough review by a three-member panel.

The appellate court declared that the earlier tribunal’s decision to order supplementary polls in 22 polling units across four local government areas (LGAs) was based on inadmissible evidence. The tribunal had relied on this evidence, deeming the initial election inconclusive.

The Court of Appeal highlighted a crucial flaw in the tribunal’s proceedings, pointing out that a key witness presented by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) provided hearsay evidence. The witness, crucial to the PDP’s case, was not present during the alleged malpractices and, therefore, lacked firsthand knowledge.

The allegations presented by the PDP witness, including vote deduction, ballot box stuffing, and mutilation of sensitive electoral materials, were deemed by the court to be rooted in hearsay, lacking the necessary credibility.

Furthermore, the appeal court upheld the tribunal’s dismissal of the petition filed by the PDP and its candidate, Isa Ashiru. The court justified this decision by noting that the petitioners failed to comply with the requirements of the Electoral Act 2022. Specifically, they did not apply for the issuance of a pre-hearing information sheet after the close of pleadings, as mandated by paragraph 18(1) of the first schedule to the Electoral Act 2022.

With this Court of Appeal ruling, Uba Sani’s victory stands affirmed, bringing clarity to the political landscape in Kaduna State.