The judgement delivered by the Kaduna State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on Thursday has been marked by confusion.
While some reports said the court affirmed Sani’s election after dismissing the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its candidate, Isa Ashiru, other accounts of the judgement said the tribunal sacked the governor while declaring the election inconclusive.
However Governor Uba Sani has reacted to the judgement describing it as a clear affirmation of the popular mandate given to him by the people of the state.
“The judgement is an unequivocal affirmation of the popular mandate graciously given to me by the good people of Kaduna State,” he said in a statement he personally signed.
“I commend the Tribunal for their thoroughness and lucidity. They have enriched our jurisprudence and practice of electoral democracy.
“I also commend my dear brother, Hon. Isah Ashiru Kudan for approaching the Tribunal to ventilate his grievances.
“This is a clear demonstration of his belief in the principles of democracy and the imperative of civility in the conduct of political actors.
“I call on Hon. Isah Ashiru and members of the opposition parties in Kaduna State to join hands with us as we strive to move our dear state to a higher level.
“We are all stakeholders in PROJECT KADUNA. It is not about personal glory. Our people want all hands to be on deck to address the myriad challenges confronting the state. If political actors are united, a clear signal will be sent to our people that the quest for peace, security, progress and development of our state are the driving forces of our participation in politics.
“I call on our party faithful to moderate their celebration of this victory. They must individually and collectively extend an olive branch to our brothers and sisters in other political parties.
“Instead of celebrating, we should bow down in prayers to the Almighty God for His continued guidance and protection. Let us focus on the tasks ahead.”
