Audu files petition over Kogi gov election

Johnson Babajide, Lokoja - 01.05.2008

FORMER governor of Kogi State and the standard bearer of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in the re-run governorship election on March 29, 2008, Prince Abubakar Audu, has filed his petition at the state election petition tribunal.

Prince Audu, in the petition filed by his counsel, Mr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), prayed the tribunal to nullify the outcome of the election in some areas, where there were alleged irregularities or order a fresh election throughout the state.

Audu said the election and the return of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Governor Ibrahim Idris, was invalid on the ground of non-qualification and non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2006 and other laws in that regard.

He said the PDP candidate, who is the 21st respondent, was disqualified from contesting the election for presenting a forged certificate to the first and second respondents and that he was not duly elected through the majority of lawful votes cast at the re-run election.

In a cross petition filed by the winner of the election, Governor Idris said the election in Adavi and Olamaboro local government areas was invalid due to corrupt practices and non-compliance with Electoral Act 2006.

Idris, represented by his counsel, Mr. P.A. Akubo (SAN), however, described as unlawful, the cancellation of the election in Okene Local Government Area and nine wards by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).