Tribunal Dismisses Gaya’s Petition, Upholds Sen Sumaila

The National and State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal has dismissed the petition filed by Kabiru Gaya of the All Progressives Congress (APC) challenging the victory of Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the Kano South senatorial election.

The tribunal, headed by Justice R.O Odogu, held that Gaya’s petition was grossly incompetent and thereby upheld Sumaila’s election.

“The tribunal affirms the declaration of Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila of NNPP as winner of the Kano South Senatorial District election held on 25th February 2023” the judge stated.

The tribunal also awarded the sum of N200,000 as cost against Gaya, in favour of Sumaila.

Gaya, who represented Kano South Senatorial District in the 9th Assembly under the APC, issued a statement in February congratulating Kawu Sumaila of the NNPP for winning the senatorial seat for the zone, and also declared that he would not seek any legal redress, insisting that it was the work of God Almighty.

However, the senator petitioned the tribunal challenging the victory of the Kawu Sumaila.