The National and State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in Sokoto State delivered its verdict on Friday, affirming the election victory of Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, representing Sokoto North Senatorial District.
In addition to Senator Wamakko’s triumph, the tribunal also upheld the election victories of Abdussamad Dasuki and Bala Hassan, representing Tambuwal-Kebbe and Sokoto South-Sokoto North federal constituencies, respectively.
These electoral outcomes were challenged by various parties, including the former deputy Governor of the state, Manir Dan’iya of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who contested Senator Wamakko’s victory. Similarly, Bala Kokani of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Abubakar Abdullahi of PDP raised concerns regarding the wins of Abdussamad Dasuki and Bala Hassan during the previous parliamentary elections in Sokoto State.
The petitioners alleged irregularities, including electoral violence, among other issues. However, the tribunal, in a unanimous judgment delivered by Chairperson Justice Josephine Oyefeso, dismissed these petitions for lack of merit. Justice Oyefeso emphasized that the burden of proof rested on the petitioners, and they failed to provide concrete evidence to substantiate their claims, as required by law.
The tribunal’s ruling underlines the importance of meeting the legal standard for proving allegations in election petitions, reinforcing the integrity of the electoral process.
