The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Adamawa State has affirmed the election of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
The tribunal sitting in Yola, capital of Adamawa State delivered the judgement on Monday.
The chairperson of the reibunal, Theodorer Uloho who delivered the judgement dismissed the petition filed by Dr. Umar Ardo, gubernatorial candidate of Social Democratic Party, SDP in the state.
In the petition, Ardo had challenged the outcome of the March 18 election and April 18 declaration of Gov. Fintiri as the winner following the April 16 supplementary election.
In his petition instituted on May 8, joined the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Gov. Fintiri and 16 others as respondents, alleging that the election was not conducted in substantial compliance with the electoral act.
The petitioners further alleged that the exercise conducted by the 1st respondent was marred by corrupt practices (bribery), threats and violence and however sought the nullification of the entire exercise.
The chairperson while delivering her judgement, dismissed the petition as incompetent, defective, incongruous and not properly instituted before the tribunal.
Uloho added that the allegation of corrupt practices must be proven with cogent and credible evidence and that failure to do so rendered the petition worthless, lifeless and without any probative value.
While reacting to the judgement, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, the state deputy governor, said it as a victory for Adamawa State.
She called on other party to join hands with the Gov. Fintiri’s administration to move the state forward.
