Supreme Court of Nigeria dismissed the appeal filed by Aishatu Ahmed, popularly known as Binani, challenging the election victory of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri in Adamawa State. The five-member panel, led by Justice John Okoro, declared that the appeal lacked merit.
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Justice Okoro emphasized that a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) lacks the authority to declare election results while collation is still ongoing. The judgment solidifies the decision of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which had earlier affirmed Governor Fintiri’s victory.
Binani, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, sought to uphold the declaration made by Hudu Yunusa, an INEC REC, citing Section 149 of the Electoral Act. The Court of Appeal, however, found no merit in her claims of non-compliance with electoral laws and dismissed the appeal.
The three-member appellate court panel, led by Justice Tunde Awotoye, highlighted the appellant’s failure to substantiate claims of electoral fraud in 14,104 polling stations. Noting that only three witnesses were presented, the court emphasized the lack of evidence to support the allegations.
In confirming the lower tribunal’s decision, the Court of Appeal awarded N1 million against the petitioners in favor of Governor Fintiri and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Oreoluwa is an accountant and a brand writer with a flair for journalism.
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