The National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal for Sokoto/Zamfara states has invalidated the election of Umar Yusuf Yabo, popularly known as Danmaje, who represents Yabo/Shagari Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.
The Tribunal, comprising three judges led by Justice Ashu A. Ewah, rendered a unanimous verdict citing widespread malpractices during the 2023 election and subsequent rerun in February 2024.
Justice Ewah declared the election of Danmaje as null and void, emphasizing serious irregularities documented during the electoral processes conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
As a consequence of the ruling, Danmaje has been directed to pay damages amounting to N500,000 to the petitioner as a cost award.
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The tribunal specifically highlighted issues with the conduct of the election in two polling units of Shagari Local Government Area, prompting its decision to order a fresh rerun within the next 90 days under the supervision of INEC.
Additionally, the Tribunal instructed INEC to retract the certificate of return previously issued to Danmaje.
Danmaje, who contested under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had initially prevailed over his closest rival, Abubakar Umar of the All Progressives Congress (APC), with a narrow margin following a court-mandated rerun in the state.
However, the Tribunal’s findings of malpractices have now overturned this outcome.
Responding to the Tribunal’s decision, Danmaje expressed his intention to challenge the ruling through an appeal process, indicating a continuation of the legal battle over the seat.
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