The Abuja Court of Appeal has confirmed Kefas Agbu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, as the duly elected governor of Taraba State.
Delivering the judgment on Tuesday, the appellate court dismissed the defective appeal filed by Muhammad Yahaya and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
In the lead judgment, Peter Affen faulted the appellants for submitting an incomplete record of appeal that cannot be heard. Agbu secured victory with 257,926 votes, surpassing Yahaya’s 202,277 votes.
Yahaya and NNPP contested the result, alleging non-compliance with the Electoral Act and disputing Agbu’s majority of lawful votes. However, the tribunal, led by G.A Sunmonu, ruled that the petitioners failed to prove their allegations.
Despite an appeal to the appellate court, the dismissal was based on lacking merit.
Addressing journalists after the judgment, Taraba State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Yakubu Maikasuwa (SAN), emphasized that the court’s decision affirms the voice of Taraba people.
“The court has confirmed that Taraba people spoke loudly. The Court of Appeals affirmed Dr. Abu Kafas as the duly elected and returned governor of Taraba State.
Taraba residents can now relax, knowing that good days are ahead. We, as victors, invite opponents to join us in working for Taraba State,” he stated.
