Tags: Adamawa State, Election Petitions Tribunal, Aishatu Binani, Ahmadu Fintiri, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
In a recent development, the Adamawa State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has upheld the victory of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, dismissing the petition filed by the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Aishatu Binani.
Ms. Binani’s petition alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not conduct the exercise in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act. The petition included INEC, Mr. Fintiri, and the Peoples Democratic Party as the first, second, and third respondents, respectively.
However, in the lead judgement delivered on behalf of the three-member panel, the tribunal’s chairman, T. O. Uloho, dismissed Ms. Binani’s petition, affirming Mr. Fintiri’s victory. The tribunal stated that the petitioners failed to present compelling, credible, and satisfactory evidence to support their allegations of non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
It is important to note that the court’s role is to adjudicate, not investigate. The tribunal emphasized that the petitioners did not prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, as their witnesses only provided hearsay evidence in the form of documents.
Previously, the electoral body had declared the initial election inconclusive. Subsequently, on April 18, Mr. Fintiri was declared the winner after a supplementary poll, leading to the controversy surrounding the exercise.
This dismissal by the tribunal puts an end to the legal challenge against Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s election victory in Adamawa State.
