The Kogi state governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Abuja in a split decision of two to one affirmed the declaration and return of Yahaya Bello by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the validly elected governor of Kogi State.
The majority judgment delivered by the Chairman of tribunal, Justice Kashim Kaigama dismissed the petition brought by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the November 16 governorship election, Engineer Musa Wada against the outcome of the polls for lacking in merit.
He therefore awarded the cost of N500, 000 against the petitioners in favour of the respondents.
Reacting, Governor Bello said the judgment of the Election Tribunal upholding his election and the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a re-affirmation of his landmark victory on the 16th of November, 2019.
He said the landmark judgment affirming his landmark victory is a validation of the people’s mandate and an added impetus to his drive to do more for the good people of Kogi State.
The governor lauded the tribunal for being upright and just and thanked the entire citizens of the state for support and prayer.
The Governor noted that with the majority ruling of the Tribunal dismissing the petition of PDP candidate Musa Wada today, the rule of law once again came to the defense of democracy by affirming the collective will of the people which was expressed on the 16th of November, 2019 when a vast, compelling majority of the electorate cast their votes for him to serve them for a second term.
Describing the judgment as most comprehensive of outstanding thoroughness, reason, and stretch on the many issues presented before the tribunal, Bello noted that the judiciary remains the last hope of common man.
