A 3-man panel constituted to handle petitions arising from the conduct of the March 18 governorship election in Kaduna State yesterday commenced sitting.
The tribunal is handling the petitions filed by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Hon. Mohammed Isa Ashiru, against the All Progressives Congress (APC), its candidate, Uba Sani, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Recall that INEC had declared Uba Sani as winner of the election but the PDP is challenging the outcome of the poll.
The panel of justices handling the petitions are; Justice Victor O. Oviawe, Justice D.A Damulak and Justice N. Nonye.
Kaduna gov’ship poll: Tribunal begins sitting as chair promises fairness
Kaduna gov meets security chiefs over insecurity
In his inaugural speech, the chairman of the tribunal, Justice Victor O. Oviawe, promised to ensure that the tribunal upholds and works within the ambit of the provisions of the constitution.
Justice Oviawe said the tribunal would be just, fair and do the right thing in the interest of the public. He also disclosed that five petitions were before the court.
He sought the cooperation of the bar to enable the court to timely deliver in line with the provision of the Electoral Act.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Kaduna branch, Tajudeen Muhammed, assured the panel of the NBA’s support, adding that the bar will give utmost cooperation to the Bench throughout the process of the case.
The APC and Uba Sani’s team of senior lawyers were led by a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Bayo Ojo (SAN).