Court of Appeal Confirms Kefas Agbu’s Victory in Taraba Governorship Election
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has solidified Kefas Agbu’s position as the duly elected governor of Taraba State.
The three-member panel, led by Justice Peter Affen, delivered a unanimous judgment on Tuesday, dismissing the appeal brought forth by the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and its governorship candidate, Prof. Yahaya Sani.
Justice Affen underscored the lack of consistency in NNPP’s petition against the March 28 governorship election. The appellants sought the nullification of the election citing non-compliance with the electoral act, yet simultaneously requested the court to declare them as winners based on having the majority of lawful votes.
The court firmly asserted that it is impermissible for litigants, such as NNPP and its candidate, to adopt conflicting stances. Emphasizing the legal contradiction, Justice Affen noted that the alternative prayer for victory lacked a foundation, given the primary plea for nullification.
Furthermore, the Court of Appeal found the appellants’ appeal incompetent due to an incomplete record of proceedings, reinforcing the dismissal on grounds of lacking merit. This decision aligns with the earlier judgment of a tribunal, led by Justice Ayo Sunmonu, which had dismissed NNPP’s petition on September 30 for similar reasons.
Kefas Agbu’s victory in the governorship election stands affirmed, marking a significant legal resolution in the Taraba State political landscape.