The Bauchi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has upheld the victory of Governor Bala Mohammed of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the March 18 gubernatorial election in the state.
The tribunal, in a judgement by a three-man panel chaired by Justice P.T Kwahar, dismissed the petition filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.
It held that there is no strong reason to nullify the election of Governor Mohammed, saying the election was conducted in compliance with the law.
Justice Kwahar said the petitioner faulted the election in some polling units in Toro, Dass, Zaki, Itas-Gadau, Alkaleri, Bauchi, Tafawa Balewa, Ningi, Dambam, and Ganjuwa Local Government Areas of Bauchi State.
Justice Kwahar said the petitioners failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt alleged manipulation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in the election.
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He said the petitioner’s witnesses presented evidence based on hearsay, declaring that they were not present at the polling units.
The judge said the witnesses did not demonstrate enough to show that the results of the election were mutilated, manipulated, or tampered as claimed.
Justice Kwahar said: “They have failed to establish beyond reasonable doubt that the APC candidate won the election.
“The election of the 18th of March 2023 was conducted in total compliance with the Electoral Act and the petition is hereby dismissed.
“Consequently, the return of the second respondent as the truly elected governor of Bauchi State by the first respondent (INEC) in the conduct of the governorship election of the 18th of March 2023 is hereby affirmed.”
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