The Bauchi Governorship, National and State House of Assembly Election Tribunal has granted leave to two candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to inspect election materials used by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the February 25 National Assembly elections.
Kani Faggo of the APC, who contested and lost the Shira/Giade Federal Constituency election, was granted permission to access sensitive materials by the three-man panel led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi. In an ex-parte application filed by the candidate and his party, Faggo's lead Counsel, Ishaq Magaji, asked the court to compel INEC to allow his client to obtain documents used for the election.
Magaji argued that the documents would aid his petition against the emergence of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)'s Sani Tanko as winner of the election. The court agreed that the application had merit and granted the order, ordering INEC to make all election materials available to Faggo and his agents.
Similarly, Gali Maji of the APC was granted leave to access election materials deployed by INEC for the Katagum Federal Constituency election. Maji's Counsel, Ishaq Magaji, said the order would enable him and his party to inspect all the election materials used by the electoral umpire in preparing their petition.
Also cited as respondents in the matter are the winner of the election as declared by the Commission, Auwalu Gwalabe, the PDP, and INEC. Justice Wilfred Kpochi granted leave to Maji and his agents to approach INEC and take certified copies of the election materials used in the February 25 Katagum Federal Constituency election.
The APC has expressed satisfaction with the ruling, stating that it is a step towards justice for their candidates. The PDP, on the other hand, has stated that they have nothing to fear, as they are confident that they won the elections fairly.
INEC has assured the public of its commitment to transparency and fairness in the conduct of elections, stating that it will cooperate fully with the tribunal to ensure that justice is served.
Observers have lauded the ruling, stating that it is a positive development for Nigeria's democracy. They have also called on all parties involved to abide by the ruling of the tribunal and allow justice to prevail.
The Bauchi Governorship, National and State House of Assembly Election Tribunal will continue to hear petitions from candidates in the state who have challenged the outcome of the February 25 elections.