The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Thursday affirmed Nasarawa state governor Abdullahi Sule’s electoral victory in a crucial ruling.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had previously declared Sule, a member of the All Progressives Congress, as the rightful winner, with David Ombugadu of the Peoples Democratic Party securing the second position.
The controversy arose when the tribunal, led by Justice Ezekiel Ajayi, delivered a split judgment, challenging INEC’s declaration. The tribunal argued that, based on evidence from various polling units, Ombugadu possessed the majority of valid votes during the election.
Governor Sule promptly appealed the tribunal’s decision, urging the appellate court to overturn the ruling.
However, during today’s judgment, the Court of Appeal made a significant move by expunging crucial evidence and exhibits from its records. Notably, the court removed materials from witnesses PW5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 20, and 21, which the tribunal heavily relied upon in reaching its earlier decision.
