[News] Supreme Court upholds election of Dauda Lawal as Zamfara governor

The Supreme Court has affirmed the election of Dauda Lawal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as Zamfara State Governor.

In a ruling delivered today January 12, the apex court set aside the decision of the court of appeal declaring the governorship election in Zamafara State inconclusive.

The tribunal had dismissed the petition of the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Bello Matawalle, challenging the victory of Dauda Lawal of the PDP.

At the Court of Appeal, the court declared the election in the state inclusive and ordered a rerun in three local government areas which are Maradun, Birnin-Magaji, and  Bukkuyum.

The court held that it was wrong for the Independent National Electoral Commission to adopt results from the IReV to declare the winner in the affected LGA, adding that “IReV is not part of the collation system but for viewing purposes.”

Reading the lead judgment at the Supreme Court, Emmanuel Agim described the decision of the appeal court as perverse. The judge held that the respondents did not provide substantial evidence to prove their allegations of overvoting, among others.

“The court of appeal decision is perverse. Has no evidential foundation. Although the appeal has merit, it succeeds, and it is allowed. The order that the election is inclusive is hereby set aside. The election of the appellant is upheld.”