Appeal Court Upholds Fintiri’s Victory in Adamawa Governorship Election
Abuja, Nigeria – In a decisive ruling today, the Court of Appeal in Abuja affirmed Governor Ahmadu Fintiri‘s re-election as the governor of Adamawa State, dismissing the appeal brought by Senator Aisha Binani of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Following the supplementary election, the Independent National Electoral Commission declared Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the winner with 430,861 votes, while Binani of the APC secured 398,788 votes. Senator Binani contested the results, alleging corrupt practices and non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
Read Also Why I broke up with my ex-boyfriends – Actress Lolade Okusanya
A three-man panel led by Justice Tunde Awotoye addressed the matter, highlighting that the appellant’s brief was invalid and risked being struck out for incompetence. The court emphasized that the appellants filed an incompetent record of appeal, contrary to the court’s practice directions, attempting to lead the appeal court into speculation.
Read Also If Not For Me, Peter Obi Would Not Become Labour Party Candidate – Sowore
Justice Awotoye further noted that the appellant’s allegations of corrupt practices lacked sufficient evidence and were rightly dismissed by the tribunal. He stated, “The evidence of the appellants at the tribunal was hearsay evidence which deserves to be ignored. I hold that this appeal lacks merit and is dismissed.”
In a consequential move, the appeal court directed Senator Binani and the APC to pay a fine of N1 million to Governor Fintiri and the PDP for submitting a “vague” application. The ruling reinforces Fintiri’s mandate and underscores the court’s commitment to upholding due process in electoral disputes.
This judgment marks a significant development in the political landscape of Adamawa State, solidifying Fintiri’s position as the duly elected governor, and serves as a testament to the judiciary’s role in ensuring the integrity of electoral processes.
