Tribunal Strikes Out Maku’s Petition, Upholds Al-Makura’s Election

tanko-almakuraThe Nasarawa State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Lafia, the state capital, on Wednesday dismissed the petition by Labaran Maku, challenging the re-election of Governor Tanko Al-Makura in the April 11 governorship election in the state.
Maku, candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, came second in the election won by Al-Makura of the All Progressives Congress.
In dismissing the former Minister of Information’s petition, the tribunal held that it lacked merit.
In its judgment, the Justice Halima Shammaki-led tribunal, said the petitioner could not prove his allegations of electoral malpractices beyond reasonable doubt.
Justice Shammaki added, “The petitioner failed to provide credible evidence where he alleged that the election was marred with violence in some places, unlawful declaration of votes, inflation of figures, mutilation and over voting.
“That the petitioner could not prove beyond reasonable doubt where he alleged that card readers were not used in some polling units, he also failed to sort out ballot papers tendered before the tribunal. It was not the business of the tribunal to sort them out for the petitioner”.
“Based on that, I therefore strikeout the petition filed by Labaran Maku of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) against Umaru Al-Makura of All Progressives Congress (APC)”, the tribunal ruled.
Speaking after the judgment, Maku’s running mate, Alhaji Ibrahim Abu, averred that they were unsatisfied with the judgment, insisting that APGA was robbed of victory.
Abu vowed that the party would head for the Appeal Court to challenge the verdict of the tribunal.
Maku’s counsel, Titi Chaku, however, took a more cautious approach in reaction to the judgment, saying they would study it and consult before deciding on the next line of action.
On his part, Yusuf Usman (SAN) counsel to APC, expressed satisfaction with the judgment and said they have been vindicated by the tribunal.