In a significant verdict that reverberated through the political landscape of Taraba State, the Taraba Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, convening in Jalingo, delivered a resounding affirmation of Governor Agbu Kefas’ victory under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The three-man tribunal, led by Justice Ayo Sunmonu, rendered its judgment on a petition lodged by the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) and its gubernatorial candidate, Prof. Yahaya Sani, who contested the election, alleging irregularities.
The crux of the tribunal’s decision was the insufficiency of evidence presented by the petitioners to substantiate their claims. Justice Sunmonu firmly asserted that the petitioners failed to provide convincing arguments to challenge Governor Kefas’ election, rendering their case bereft of merit.
“The petitioner failed to prove his ground that the governor was not duly elected, and therefore, the petition lacked merit,” declared Justice Sunmonu.
In the wake of this decisive ruling, Governor Kefas and his legal counsel, Mr. Sam Adda, welcomed the judgment with jubilation. Mr. Adda described it as a “landmark judgment,” highlighting the victory as a reaffirmation of the people’s choice and the integrity of the electoral process.
The NNPP and its candidate had petitioned the tribunal, seeking the annulment of the election on the grounds of alleged irregularities and non-compliance with the Electoral Act of 2022. They also pressed for the tribunal to order a fresh election in Taraba State.
However, with the tribunal’s dismissal of the petition, Governor Kefas remains firmly in the saddle as the duly elected governor of Taraba State. This verdict not only solidifies his mandate but also underscores the importance of substantiated evidence in challenging electoral outcomes.
It stands as a testament to the resilience and strength of the democratic processes in Nigeria, where justice is served through the careful examination of evidence and adherence to due process.
