The Supreme Court on Friday affirmed the election of Abdulazeez Yari of All Progressives Congress as governor of Zamfara State.
Delivering the judgment, Justice John Okoro-led panel of six judges held that the petition lacked substance.
“The grouse of the appellants in this issue, basically, is that there was over-voting and that because of that there was substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act.

“To prove over-voting, the law is trite that the petitioner must tender the voters’ register.
“The court must also see the statement of result in the appropriate forms which would show the number of registered accredited voters and number of actual voters,” the court said.

Mr. Okoro said the appellant must also relate each of the documents to the specific area of the case in respect of which documents were tendered.
He added that the appellant ought to have shown that figures, representing over-voting, if removed, would result in victory for the petitioner.
“From the finding above, I agree with the court below that the appellants failed woefully to prove over-voting in accordance with the principles laid down by law.
“The reliance on the evidence of one of the witnesses through a document he did not make has not made any difference.

“There is no doubt that a petitioner is entitled to contend that an election or return in an election be invalidated by reason of corrupt practice or non-compliance,” he said.
Mr. Okoro, however, said for a petitioner to succeed on the ground of corruption, he must prove that corrupt practices or non-compliance actually took place.
He said the appellant must also prove that the alleged infraction substantially affected the result of the election.

“There is need for a petitioner who alleges over-voting to lead concrete evidence to show that there was indeed over-voting and that it benefitted the winner of the contest.

“Without doubt, over-voting in an election can be in favour of the appellant, the respondent or other contestants who participated and lost at the election but are not parties to the petition. lalasticlala

Ponponkon:
This judgement clearly show that appeal court erred in the Abia election verdict. Supreme court will old Dr Ikpeazu's victory unless Buhari is the one that tells them whom to sack and whom to leave.

Keneking:
Amazing decision awaiting the affirmation of Wike's and Abia gov. sack

UrennaNkoli:


http://www.leadership.ng/news/490152/supreme-court-affirms-election-zamfara-governor

sule17:
Kogi need fresh election. We need it

StepTwo:
please which country has Zamfara bin relocated to?

not heard of it here in Nigeria for over 3yrs

Super1759:


How on earth can supreme uphold such election where 3 LGA had vote more than other 13lga? PDP is still learning and Apga ApC will deal with them, Appeal court na small, come to supreme,we are waiting.