Appeal Court Ruling: I’m Undeterred, Says Governor Dauda Lawal

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has said he remains undeterred following the Appeal Court’s Thursday declaration of the state’s gubernatorial election as inconclusive. Recall that the Appeal Court in Abuja voided the election that produced Lawal as winner while declaring a rerun in three local government areas. In response to the ruling, Governor Lawal expressed confidence in the unwavering support of the people for progress and development in the state. Terming the court’s decision as a “temporary setback,” Governor Lawal reaffirmed his resolute commitment to honouring the people’s mandate.  He assured Zamfara citizens of his dedication to pursuing all legal avenues to ensure a fair and just resolution. “The ruling by the Appeal Court is a temporary setback,” said Governor Lawal.  “However, I remain optimistic that the collective decision of the people will ultimately prevail.” Acknowledging the challenges faced during the previous election, Governor Lawal emphasized his determination to uphold what he termed the “widely acclaimed mandate” and called for calm among the populace while his legal team rigorously reviews the verdict. “We will emerge victorious,” Governor Lawal affirmed.  “Our unwavering determination and steadfast commitment leave no room for doubt or fear.” Amidst the ongoing legal proceedings, the governor urged the people of Zamfara to remain composed, stating, “Our legal team is thoroughly reviewing the verdict. We will follow through with the necessary actions to achieve a just outcome.”

Court Declares Zamfara Guber Election Inconclusive, Mandates Rerun in 3 LGAs

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, on Thursday, declared as inconclusive, the governorship election that held in Zamfara State on March 18. The court, in a unanimous decision by a three-member panel of Justices, nullified the return of Governor Dauda Lawal of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) as the winner of the gubernatorial contest. It ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to conduct a fresh election in three Local Government Areas, LGAs, of the state. The court however, did not award any cost to the respondents.  The court agreed with All Progressive Congress APC candidate that elections did not hold previously or where results from various polling units were not counted in the three LGAs. In the lead judgement that was read by Justice Sybil Nwaka, the court held that it was wrong for INEC to rely on information it obtained from its IReV portal, to collate the final result of the governorship election. The judgement followed an appeal that was lodged before the court by the immediate past governor of the state, Bello Matawalle, who was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the election. More details later…