Supreme Court Decision Pending: APC Appeals Adamawa Governorship Election Outcome
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has deferred its judgment on the appeal presented by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its gubernatorial candidate, Aisha Dahiru, also known as Binani, challenging the victory of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri in Adamawa State.
The five-member panel, led by Justice John Okoro, concluded the hearing of arguments from the concerned parties before reserving its decision.
Legal Tussle Originating from Adamawa Governorship Election
The legal dispute traces back to the aftermath of the Adamawa governorship election, where the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) initially declared the election inconclusive on March 20.
Mele Lamido, the returning officer, cited the margin between Fintiri’s 421,524 votes and Binani’s 390,275 votes, which was narrower than the potential voters affected by cancelled polling units (37,016). Consequently, a supplementary election was scheduled for April 15.
Controversial Supplementary Poll: Binani’s Premature Declaration
Post the supplementary election, controversy erupted when Hudu Yunusa-Ari, the then-resident electoral commissioner (REC) in Adamawa State, announced Binani as the winner before the returning officer’s conclusion and the completion of polls.
INEC nullified this announcement, continuing with result collation. The final count showed Binani with 398,788 votes and Fintiri securing victory with 430,861 votes.
Subsequently, Yunusa-Ari faced arrest and police prosecution.
Legal Journey Through Lower Courts: Tribunal and Court of Appeal Rulings
Before reaching the Supreme Court, both the state election petition tribunal and the Court of Appeal had dismissed Binani’s petition challenging Fintiri’s victory.
Undeterred, the APC and its candidate have sought redress at the apex court, anticipating a favorable judgment that could alter the course of the Adamawa governorship election outcome.
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