APC Approaches Appeal Court, Rejects Tribunal’s Judgment On Gov Tambuwal
BY SEGUN ADEBAYO, ABUJA – The Sokoto State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected the Elections Petition Tribunal’s ruling delivered against its candidate in the March 9, 2019 governorship election.
State Chairman of the Party, Alhaji Sadiq Achida said the APC and its flagbearer, Ahmed Aliyu, are therefore heading for the Appeal Court to challenge the judgment
Achida said in a statement that the arty was sure of getting justice at the Appeal Court because “We believe the judgment has turned justice on its head.”
In its ruling on Wednesday, October 2, 2019, the tribunal, which sat in Abuja, validated Governor Aminu Tambuwal’s re-election after dismissing the APC governorship candidate, Ahmed Aliyu’s petition challenging the victory of Tambuwal, declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as winner of the gubernatorial poll by a slim margin of less than 500 votes.
According to the statement, APC said: “In view of the unfair and unjustifiable ruling delivered by the Sokoto State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, we wish to state that we reject the ruling.
“Our lawyers are studying the judgment with a view to filing an appeal at the appropriate court of law.
“We implore our members across the state to remain calm and peaceful. We will explore all legal means to reclaim our stolen mandate.”
The statement however thanked Party members and the electorate for their support and loyalty, saying; “We remain committed to defending your interests at all times.”
However, in his reaction, Governor Tambuwal dedicated his victory to God and the good people of Sokoto State
Addressing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s supporters that converged on the Sokoto State Government House after the judgment, Tambuwal said: “There is no doubt that power belongs to God. It is His will that I emerged victorious at the inconclusive general election and now at the tribunal.”
He appreciated the people for their support, prayers and standing by him since the struggle began.
The governor also praised the Tribunal for its fairness in handling the petitions and urged his opponents to support his administration in order to work for the development of the state.
Also reacting to the ruling, former Governor of the State, Attahiru Bafarawa appealed to all parties’ supporters and candidates in the election to embrace peace, shun divisive tendencies and rally support for the administration of Governor Aminu Tambuwal.
