September 12, (THEWILL) – The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in Katsina has nullified the election of Aminu Ahmadu Chindo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as member representing Katsina Central Federal Constituency, in the House of Representatives.
The judgment followed a petition filed by Sani Danlami against the declaration and return of Aminu Chindo, as winner of the February 25th National Assembly Election for Katsina Central Federal Constituency.
Danlami, who accused Chindo of presenting a forged primary school testimonial, had prayed the court to set aside his Victory.
However, the tribunal, led by Justice O. Ogunfowora in a ruling upheld the argument of the petitioner, saying the defendant had failed to prove that he had actually attended the Kofar Soro Primary School.
“The return of the first respondent, Aminu Ahmadu Chindo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as member Katsina Central Federal Constituency, Katsina State of the House of Representatives is hereby nullified and set aside”, Justice Ogunfowora held.
Consequently, the Tribunal declared the petitioner, Sani Aliyu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as authentic winner of the February 25th National Assembly for Katsina Central Federal Constituency.
It ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the certificate of return earlier issued to Chindo. The court also awarded N200,000.00 in favour of the petitioner.
Explaining the judgement, the lead counsel to the petitioner, Earnest Obunadike, said the petition was predicated on the fact that by the provision of section 66(1)(i) of the 1999 constitution (As amended), presentation of false certificate to INEC is a disqualifying factor for any person vying for either a Reps member or as a Senator.
