Report from Kogi State, North Central Nigeria says, Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and its governorship candidate in the State, Dr. Abdullahi Bayawo, have appealed the verdict of the State Election Petition Tribunal at the Court of Appeal, Abuja, calling for fresh election.
Bayawo, disclosed this in a statement, on Friday, in Lokoja.
“PRP has rejected and appealed the judgment of the Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal delivered on Monday, 27th May, 2024,” he said.
In a 15-ground appeal, the PRP and its candidate are seeking to overturn the tribunal’s decision which dismissed their petition challenging the election of Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The grounds of appeal highlight several errors made by the tribunal in its judgment, including the failure to consider critical evidence and the misdirection of law.
“We are asking the appellate court to allow the appeal, set aside the judgment and orders of the tribunal subject of complaint and in its place grant our reliefs by declaring that the election and return of the 2nd Respondent by the 1st Respondent was wrong, unconstitutional, null and void.
“An order setting aside and nullifying the certificate of return issued to the 2nd Respondent by the 1st Respondent.
“An order for the conduct of fresh election in Kogi State Governorship election within 90 days of the judgment of this Court,” he said.
The candidate said the appeal became imperative because PRP and its candidate are dissatisfied with the tribunal’s findings on issues such as pre-filling of INEC forms, use of non-authentic and irregular voters’ registers.
“Also, it’s because of the failure to comply with the constitutional requirement of a winner scoring 25% in at least 2/3 of the local government areas,” he said.
According to him, the appeal would be heard by the Court of Appeal, Abuja, and will seek to set aside the tribunal’s decision and ensure that justice is served in the governorship election petition.
“PRP and its candidate are committed to upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring that the will of the people is respected in the state.
“The party believes that the appeal will provide an opportunity to rectify the perceived injustices and ensure that the true winner of the election is declared,” he said.
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