Appeal court affirms Mohammed as Bauchi gov

The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has affirmed the victory of Bala Mohammed as the Governor of Bauchi State.

The PUNCH had reported that following the declaration of Mohammed as the winner of the gubernatorial election in Bauchi State by the Independent National Electoral Commission, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Sadique Abubakar, approached the governorship election petition tribunal sitting in the State challenging the victory.

Chairman of the three-man panel, P T. Kwahar, in his judgment, affirmed the victory of Bala Mohammed, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

But not satisfied with the tribunal’s judgment, Abubakar, a former Chief of Staff, filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal challenging the decision of the lower court.

But in a judgment on Friday, the Appellate Court dismissed the appeal filed by APC’s candidate and affirmed the victory of Mohammed.

Meanwhile, the Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Auwal Jatau, in a statement through his Special Assistant on Media, Muslim Lawal, expressed happiness over the Appeal Court verdict.

According to him, the deputy governor said the victory at the court not only affirms the strength of democracy, but solidifies the commitment of the administration of Bala Mohammed towards the progress, development, and general well-being of the people of the state.

He said that Jatau noted that the victory at the appeal court is a triumph for all the people of the state as it signifies the PDP-led administration’s collective endeavours in advancing good governance, providing quality education, ensuring accessible healthcare, fostering economic growth, and promoting peace and unity.

The Media Aide quoted his principal as saying: “I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to all the citizens of Bauchi state for their unwavering support and trust in our administration. It is their resilience, determination, and belief in our vision that has brought us to this remarkable milestone today. Their faith in us is what fuels us to tirelessly work towards a brighter and more prosperous future.

“I want to also express my sincere appreciation to the Appeal Court for ensuring a fair and transparent judicial process. The verdict is a testament to the efficacy of our justice system and its commitment to upholding the principles of justice, equity, and the rule of law.

“Our Governor’s victory is a victory for progress, for the downtrodden, and for every citizen who has entrusted their hopes and dreams to our administration.”

He said that the deputy Governor therefore, assured the people of Bauchi state of the commitment of the PDP-led administration to their welfare and the development of the state,  pointing out that the victory is a fresh impetus to redouble their efforts, to remain focused, and to continue delivering on their campaign promises.

“On behalf of the entire stakeholders of our administration, I extend my profound gratitude to our Governor, His Excellency, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed for his tenacity, courage, and resilience.

“His leadership has been pivotal in driving positive change and transforming the landscape of Bauchi state. We are proud to have him at the helm, steering us towards unity, prosperity, and a brighter future for all,” he said.