The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed commendation for the recent judgment by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which declared the governorship election conducted in the state on May 29 as inconclusive.
Previously, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Dauda Lawal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the election. However, the APC governorship candidate, Bello Matawalle, contested the outcome at the tribunal, but the petition was dismissed for lack of merit.
In a significant turn of events, the Court of Appeal, in a judgment delivered on Thursday, declared the election inconclusive and directed INEC to conduct a fresh election in three local government areas. The three-member panel of justices annulled the victory of Lawal, specifying a rerun in the local government areas of Maradun, Birnin Magaji, and Bukuyun.
The state APC Secretary, Yusuf Idris, expressed gratitude to the judiciary for the verdict, stating that the party received the judgment with a high sense of responsibility and thanked God for the outcome. Idris conveyed optimism that Bello Matawalle would reclaim the state in the forthcoming rerun election.
In a statement, Idris said, “With today’s declaration by the Court of Appeal, we are optimistic that very soon, the people’s Governor Bello Matawalle will be back to his rightful position as the Executive Governor of Zamfara State. The ruling was a clear testimony of our strong belief in God’s choice to give power or take it as He wills.”
He further acknowledged the judiciary for diligently carrying out their responsibilities. Idris concluded by extending a message to their opponents, stating, “To our opponents, we say God’s time is always the best, and we promise to continue to champion the cause of peace, harmony, and development of Zamfara state to greatness.” The political landscape in Zamfara now awaits the outcome of the upcoming rerun election as the state braces for potential changes in leadership.
