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The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the election of Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri as the governor of Adamawa state. The panel of three judges, presided over by Justice Tunde Oyebamiji Awotoye, dismissed the appeal lodged by Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani, thereby affirming the decision of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.
The ruling, delivered on Monday, marked the culmination of legal proceedings initiated by Binani, who ran as a candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Her challenge targeted the victory of Governor Fintiri from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing various irregularities and substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
Justice Awotoye, in delivering the judgment, not only affirmed Governor Fintiri's election but also awarded N500,000 in favor of each of the three respondents involved in the case.
Binani's contentions encompassed allegations of non-accreditation, improper accreditation, overvoting, violence, and the snatching of election materials, among other irregularities. She argued that Fintiri's election was compromised due to multiple declarations of winner and returns made. According to her, she was initially declared the winner by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Hudu Yunusa-Ari, leading to conflicting declarations.
Despite Binani's claims, the Court of Appeal found in favor of Governor Fintiri, solidifying his mandate to lead Adamawa state. The ruling further emphasized the judicial endorsement of the earlier decision by the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.
The legal resolution brings closure to this chapter of electoral disputes, reinforcing Governor Fintiri's position as the duly elected leader of Adamawa state.
