Kano Municipal House of Reps: Tribunal dismisses petition challenging Sagir Koki’s victory

The National/State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Kano on Thursday, affirmed the victory of Sagir Koki, NNPP, against Muntari Ishaq Yakasai of APC, for Kano Municipal House of Representatives Election conducted on 25th Feb. 2023.

In its judgement, the 3-panel-judge, led by Justice Flora Ngozi Azinge upheld that the petitioner, Muntari Yakasai has failed to prove the allegation of over voting and non collation of results in 25 Polling Units in the constituency, during the election.

The Tribunal averred that the petitioner failed to prove the allegation of irregularities by presenting insufficient, incredible and incogent witnesses to prove his assertion.

The Tribunal similarly upheld that the witnesses presented by the Petitioner are second hand and hearsay witnesses.

“In their testimonies on oaths, the witnesses testified that they were not in polling units where the allegations of over voting occurred. They are not worthy to believed.

” Non of the witness adduced evidence derived from their direct experience, they are not credible to believed”

“He has also presented irrelevant documents to prove the allegations of irregularities, over voting, and not being in compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022.”

“The Tribunal will not grant the reliefs sought by the petitioner against the Respondents without him presenting VBAS Machine and the Voter register in all the Polling Units where the over voting alleged to had been occurred”

“The petitioner has failed to discharge the burden of prove against the Respondents.

“We have no duty to stop the return and declaration of Sagir Koki by INEC as the winner of the Kano Municipal Federal of House of Representatives Election conducted on 25th Feb. 2023.”

“The sum of N100,000 cost is hereby awarded in favour of the Respondents against the Petitioner”

“The petition is hereby dismissed for lack evidence” Justice Flora ruled.

Justice Watch