The Supreme Court of Nigeria has reserved judgment in the appeal lodged by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Saidu Umar, challenging the election victory of Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu. The five-member panel, led by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, adjourned the proceedings for judgment following arguments presented by the involved parties.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja had previously affirmed Aliyu's election, prompting Umar and the PDP to escalate their challenge to the Supreme Court. The appeal alleges that both Aliyu and his deputy, Idris Gobir, were ineligible to contest the governorship poll. Additionally, the appellants contend that the election was marred by irregularities and did not adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.
Despite the dismissal of their appeal by the Court of Appeal on grounds of lacking merit, Umar and the PDP persisted in their pursuit for justice, bringing the case to the highest court in the land. The reserved judgment now leaves the political landscape of Sokoto in suspense, with potential implications for the current administration and the broader electoral process.
As the nation awaits the Supreme Court's decision, the outcome of this appeal may influence not only the Sokoto governorship but also set legal precedents for electoral matters in Nigeria.
