The election of the former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as senator representing Kano Central senatorial district was yesterday upheld by an election tribunal sitting in Kano.
Kwankwaso’s election was challenged by Mega Progressives People’s Party (MPPP) at the election tribunal, arguing that the election was marred by corrupt practices and other irregularities, but was dismissed on the premise that the petitioner lacks locus standi to challenge Kwankwaso’s victory.
But in his verdict, the Presiding Judge, who is also the Chairman of Election Tribunal, Justice Colonius Ilorin Akintayo, leading other two judges during the sitting argued that, the petitioner, MPPP did not have basis for challenging Kwankwaso’s victory.
“Since the petitioner did not participate in the said election, he could not participate because he was lawfully excluded from the process, he does not have any basis to challenge the outcome of the election under scrutiny, “ he argued.
“The petitioner failed to prove the “unlawful exclusion” from the exercise as he claimed in the election process. Since he failed to prove his case, the petition is hereby dismissed, “ Justice Akintayo ruled.
According to him Kwankwaso’s victory was valid as a duly elected Senator representing Kano Central Senatorial district.
On his part, the leading counsel to the petitioner, Barrister A. T. Falola said he would report back the judgement to his client and wait for the next line of action.
When asked whether they would appeal the judgement, Falola maintained that, “Ours is to communicate to the client. And matters go from one stage to another. If they wish to appeal that is their constitutional right.”
However, the ruling was followed by wild jubilation by hundreds of supporters of Kwankwaso, who stormed the court premises to witness the trial.