By Suleiman Yakubu

The election of the member representing Mashegu Constituency of the Niger State House of Assembly, Hon. Isah Alhassan Kaboji, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been nullified by the Justice Angela Otaluka-led National and State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Minna.
Justice Angela Otaluka further ordered a re-run election into twenty-five polling units in the constituency within the next ninety days, while the first respondent has been disqualified to contest the re-run election.
Similarly, the tribunal ordered the withdrawal of the certificate of return issued to the first respondent by the third respondent, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Mohammed Jiya of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had approached the tribunal on three grounds, alleging that the respondent was not qualified to contest the March 18, 2023, governorship and state assembly election, and that the respondent forged his credentials that he filled out in Form EC8 of INEC.
According to the petitioner, the election of the first respondent was characterised by irregularities in virtually all the polling units of the constituency.
He further requested the tribunal nullify the election on the ground that the respondent forged the credentials he used in the contest of the election and the election was not in conformity with the Electoral Act 2022.
He equally claimed that some of the ballot papers were not signed and stamped by the Electoral Officer of Mashegu local government, which, according to him, rendered the election invalid as it was not in compliance with the provisions of the electoral act.
The petitioner also requested the tribunal disqualify the respondent on the premises of using falsified documents to contest the election, arguing that the National Examination Council (NECO) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) issued to the second respondent were full of inconsistencies.
In the pre-hearings trial of the petition, a total of 29 exhibits and evidence, as well as witnesses, were presented to the tribunal, which were all adjudicated.
Justice Angela Otaluka, while reviewing all the evidence, exhibits, and testimonies of the witnesses, asserted that the petitioner was able to establish all the evidence tendered against the second respondent beyond the conviction of the tribunal, and the petition has stood the test of time.
Citing various legal authorities to arrive at the judgement, she averred that the petitioner has proved his allegations beyond a reasonable doubt; hence, the petition was upheld and the election of the second respondent, Alhassan Isah Kabboji, was nullified.
"The first respondent (INEC) is hereby ordered to conduct a re-run election in 25 polling units of Mashegu Local Government Area within the next 90 days of the judgement.
"The second respondent is therefore not qualified to contest the re-run election, and a total of N600,000 was awarded as a cost to the petitioner," Justice Angela Otaluka asserted.

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President Bola Tinubu has lauded the country’s founding fathers for their doggedness, patriotism, and activism that culminated in Nigeria’s freedom from colonialists 63 years ago.
He stated this on Sunday in Abuja in an address to Nigerians on the nation’s 63rd Independence Anniversary.
He said that their efforts gave life to the belief in Nigeria as the sovereign and independent nation that it is today.
“On this solemn yet hopeful day, let us commend our founding fathers and mothers. Without them, there would be no modern Nigeria.
“From the fading embers of colonialism, their activism, dedication, and leadership gave life to the belief in Nigeria as a sovereign and independent nation.
“Let us, at this very moment, affirm that as Nigerians, we are all endowed with the sacred rights and individual gifts that God has bestowed on us as a nation and as human beings. No one is greater or lesser than the other.
“The triumphs that Nigeria has achieved shall define us. The travails we have endured will strengthen us. And no other nation or power on this earth shall keep us from our rightful place and destiny.
“Nigeria is remarkable in its formation and essential character. We are a broad and dynamic blend of ethnic groups, religions, traditions, and cultures. Yet our bonds are intangible yet strong, invisible yet universal.
“We are joined by a common thirst for peace and progress, by the common dream of prosperity and harmony, and by the unifying ideals of tolerance and justice.’’
Tinubu said that building a nation of shared vision always comes with various challenges that must be conquered and resolved in the overall interest of the citizens.
“Forging a nation based on the fair application of these noble principles to a diverse population has been a task of significant blessing but also a serial challenge.
“Some people have said an independent Nigeria should never have come into existence. Some have said that our country would be torn apart.
They are forever mistaken. Here our nation stands, and here we shall remain.
“This year, we passed a significant milestone in our journey to a better Nigeria. By democratically electing a 7th consecutive civilian government, Nigeria has proven that commitment to democracy and the rule of law remain our guiding light.’’
The president said that the commitment of the security forces, the legislatures, the judiciary, and civil society organisations has been a force that has bound the country since independence.
He said that the administration would continue to accord the highest priority to the safety of lives and property of Nigerians, adding that already, inter-agency collaboration had been enhanced.
“Inter-service collaboration and intelligence sharing have been enhanced. Our service chiefs have been tasked with the vital responsibility of rebuilding the capacity of our security services.
“I salute and commend our gallant security forces for keeping us safe and securing our territorial integrity. Many have paid the ultimate sacrifice. We remember them today and their families.
“May I take this opportunity to congratulate the National Assembly for its role in the quick take-off of this administration through the performance of its constitutional duties of confirmation and oversight?
“I similarly congratulate the judiciary as a pillar of democracy and fairness.’’
The president pledged to continue to recognise all segments of the country in appointments into various areas of national responsibility as promised during campaigns.
“We shall continue to make key appointments in line with the provisions of the Constitution and with fairness towards all. Women, youth, and the physically challenged shall continue to be given due regard in these appointments.’’
Tinubu urged that all hands must be on deck to see the labour of the nation’s founding fathers bear fruit for the benefit of all Nigeria.