Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State has described his victory at the Election Petition Tribunal as a triumph for democracy and victory to all Nigerians.
DAILY POST reports that in a unanimous judgement, the Tribunal Chairman, Justice Haruna Mshelia, said the petitioners were unable to prove the six grounds formulated in the petition.
He said that the grounds bordered on alleged ineligibility of Aliyu and Gobir to contest, falsification of certificates, variation of names, election frauds and non compliance with electoral guidelines.
Aliyu made the reaction in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Malam Abubakar Bawa and issued the newsmen on Sunday.
He said: “Striking all the six grounds by the tribunal’s Judges in the unanimous judgement indicated that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate had no clear evidences to discredit the free and fair election.”
According to him, the judgement was a clear testimony of the fact that the nation’s judiciary remained unbiased, adding, *the judgement is a welcome development to people of the state and all lovers of democracy within and outside Nigeria.”
Aliyu added that his election’s reaffirmation would be a booster to his stewardship and commended the tribunal for doing the right thing and being fair after hearing from all those involved in the petition challenging the legitimacy of his victory at the 2023 governorship election.
He further called on the opposition in the state to join hands with his administration to move the state forward, saying that patriotism should now be the driving factor with a view to bolstering the even socio-economic development of the state.
Aliyu reminded them that 2027 was not far hence the need for them to ginger up for the next battle as the 2023 was done and dusted and thanked the people of the state for their sustained support and prayers at all times.
“Our doors are still open to all well meaning citizens wishing to collaborate with us in moving our State forward.
“Sokoto State is for all of us, so we have to work together to make it better,” he said.
He reassured the people of the State of his administration’s determination to execute people-oriented projects for the overall development of the State.