By Becky Usma

The Bauchi State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has concluded its proceedings and reserved judgment in the case brought forward by Amb. Saddique Baba Abubakar, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress Party (APC). This legal action challenges the victory of Governor Bala Mohammed from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the governorship election held on March 18.

Following the submission of final arguments by the involved parties, the tribunal has indicated that it will communicate the date of judgment to all parties concerned. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is listed as the first respondent, while Governor Bala Mohammed and his Deputy, Jatau, are named as the second and third respondents, respectively.

In the concluding address presented by the lead Counsel for the petitioners, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, it was emphasized that the success or failure of the case hinges on the evidence and pleadings presented before the tribunal. Fagbemi cited Section 73, Subsection 2, of the Electoral Act 2022 as amended, asserting that the alleged irregularities during the election warrant the nullification of the results in the contested areas. He urged the tribunal to uphold the petition, highlighting the presence of irregularities in the election process.

On the other hand, Counsel to the Respondents, Chris Uche, countered these arguments in their final address. Uche maintained that the petitioners failed to substantiate the claims made in their petition, and therefore, requested that the tribunal dismiss the case. The Respondents’ Counsel contended that the March 18th, 2023 Governorship Election in Bauchi State was conducted in substantial compliance with the principles outlined in the Electoral Act 2022. Uche called upon the tribunal to reject the petition.

The outcome of this legal dispute will be determined by the forthcoming judgment of the Bauchi Election Tribunal