The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Kaduna this night affirmed Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai’s election.

In a judgment that lasted about seven hours, chairman of the tribunal, Justice A. A. Adebara, dismissed the petition of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate at the April 11, 2015 election, Mr Polycarp Danladi.

Mr. Danladi had prayed the tribunal to nullify the election and order for a fresh ballot, arguing that his name was not captured in the form EC 8A and that the election was characterised by over-voting and not conducted in compliance with the electoral act. The tribunal dismissed the petition on the grounds that it lacks merit and facts to establish non-compliance with relevant electoral laws.

Speaking to newsmen after the judgment, Counsel to the Governor, Omokayode Adebayo Dada, said the APGA candidate if not satisfied by the judgment can go to the appeal court.

On his part, Counsel to the Petitioner, Olumuyiwa Olowookore, said: “There are still appealable issues but it depends on the outcome of consultations.”

He said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) needs to be on top of issues if elections are to be credible.

Said Olowookore: “There are a lot of invalid things been done at the moment and INEC needs to get on top of these issues but they are definitely not on top of the issues.

“So for us, there are still issues that arise from this judgment but whether my client will appeal or not depends on the outcome of consultations.

“There are appealable issues but the decision of the appeal goes to the client. And when I say there are appealable issues, I am saying the judgment can be tested.”

The judgment had stirred up anxiety in the state as the case, which was expected to commence by 9am, started at about 1:50 p.m. and lasted up to 7:15 p.m.

•Photo shows Governor El-Rufai.

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