By Abbas Bamalli
The election petitions tribunal for the Katsina State 2024 rerun elections, has dismissed a petition against the member representing Faskari/Sabuwa/Kankara constituency, Alhaji Dalhatu Tafoki.
The election tribunal court also reaffirmed the election of Tafoki as the duly elected member representing the constituency.
The three-member panel, Chaired by Justice K.A Ojiaka dismissed the petition filed by the PDP candidate, Alhaji Jamilu Muhammad.
The tribunal also ordered the Muhammad to pay a fine of N150,000 each to three respondents.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the respondents are Tafoki, APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The petitioner alleged that the election that returned Tafoki marred by irregularities, multiple thumb printing, disenfranchisement of voters and non-compliance of electoral act.
The tribunal unanimously dismissed the petition for lacking in merit because the petitioner failed to present witnesses to prove his case.
“The issue of multiple thumb printing in an election is an act of criminality; therefore, the petitioner must prove beyond reasonable doubt,” the tribunal held.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the judgment, Malam Isiyaku Wada-Faskari, the senior legislative aide to Tafoki lauded the tribunal, saying it is a good development.
He therefore called on the PDP candidate to join hands with the winner to ensure the development of the constituency for the interest of the people.
NAN reports that in the 2023 general elections, the INEC declared Muhammed, the winner of the election, but in a ruling by the Election Petition Tribunal, declared the election inconclusive.
And also, INEC was ordered to conduct re-election in 16 polling units of Kankara, and four in Faskari Local Government Areas (LGAs).
NAN
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