The Court of Appeal in Abuja has invalidated the election of Hon. Yusuf Liman, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly. The appellate court directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to revoke Liman’s certificate of return and organize a rerun in five polling units within the Makera State constituency.
Previously, on September 30, 2023, the Kaduna State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal had nullified Liman’s victory in the Makera State constituency, ordering a rerun in 42 polling units. The decision came in response to a petition filed by Solomon Katuka, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, who contested Liman’s win, alleging significant irregularities. Katuka argued that he, not Liman, was the rightful winner of the March 18, 2023 House of Assembly Election in Makera constituency.
The affected polling units encompassed 37 in Makera ward, two in Barnawa ward, one in Kakuri Gwari ward, one in Television ward, and one in Kakuri Hausa ward, totaling 42.
In response to the Tribunal’s decision, the APC candidate and INEC appealed the ruling. However, on Friday, November 24, 2023, the Appeal Court, comprising Justice O. O Adejumo, Justice A. O Oyetula, and Justice P. A Obiora, dismissed the appeal. Contrary to the Tribunal’s order for a rerun in 42 polling units, the Appeal Court mandated a rerun in only five specific polling units. These units include Barnawa ward PU 005 and 009, Kakuri Gwari PU 006, Television Ward PU 022, and Kakuri Hausa Ward PU 045.
The current vote tally stands at 17,470 for the APC and 17,088 for the PDP. The court nullified Liman’s election based on a 382-vote margin, which was less than the number of Permanent Voter Cards collected in the affected polling units.
