Court Can’t Determine Membership Of Political Party, Kano Tribunal Rules

• The Kano State Governorship Election Tribunal dismisses the APC’s petition challenging Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s candidacy
• The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal dismisses the APC’s petition challenging Peter Obi’s membership in the Labour Party

The Kano State Governorship Election Tribunal has dismissed the petition filed by the All Progressive Congress (APC) and its candidate, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuana, challenging Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s candidacy.

The court stated that the issue of candidacy is an internal party matter that has no bearing on the plaintiffs, let alone interferes with it.

The APC and Gawuna petitioned the tribunal, claiming that Abba is not a full member of the New Nigerian People Party (NNPP), and he was not on its register when it nominated him, so he is ineligible to run.

Similarly, the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal dismissed the APC petition to challenge Peter Obi’s membership in the Labour Party (LP).

The court stated in its decision that an individual’s membership in a political party is an internal matter.

The decision weakened the APC’s claim about Obi’s political affiliation and LP membership status.

The decision reaffirmed the principle that political parties have the authority to manage their internal affairs, including party membership issues.

Bauchi tribunal affirms governor Mohammed’s election

The Bauchi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has ruled that Bala Mohammed was duly elected as the governor of the North East state.

The tribunal on Wednesday affirmed the victory of Governor Mohammed of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the March 18th governorship election held in the state.

The tribunal dismissed the petition filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate, former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.

It held that there is no strong reason to annul the election as the election was conducted in compliance with the law.

The judgment was delivered by a three-man panel chaired by Justice P.T Kwahar.

INEC had in March declared that Mohammed polled 525,280 to beat his closest rival and the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Air Marshal Abubakar who polled 432,272.