The Supreme Court of Nigeria has affirmed Ahmadu Fintiri’s election as governor of Adamawa State.

The court’s judgement has ended the controversy about the results of the April 2023 gubernatorial election in Adamawa State.

John Okoro, leading a five-man legal panel, dismissed Aisha Binani Dahiru’s case and declared her controversial declaration as governor-elect by Hundu Yusa-Ari, the then Adamawa Resident Electoral Commissioner as irresponsible.

Confirming his affirmation on X (formerly Twitter) this morning, Fintiri described the court’s judgement as a victory for democracy and the people of Adamawa State. He wrote:

“Grateful for the Supreme Court’s affirmation of our victory in the Adamawa Governorship poll. It is a victory for democracy and the people of Adamawa State. Fintiri is here to serve and lead Adamawa to new heights.”

BACKGROUND

On March 20, the Independent National Electoral Commission declared the 2023 Adamawa State governorship election inconclusive due to the number of cancelled votes.

The electoral committee held a rerun election on April 15, 2023. On April 17, 2023, Yusa-Ari announced Dahiru as the winner.

However, INEC, on April 18, declared the results announced by Yusa-Ari void and announced Fintiri as the winner.

Unsatisfied with the results, Dahiru and the All Progressives Congress (APC) petitioned INEC and the PDP at an election tribunal. The tribunal, however, dismissed the petition.

Dahiru and the APC also appealed the decision of the tribunal, but the appellate court also dismissed the appeal for a lack of proof.