Idris, Audu know fate today

Johnson Babajide, Lokoja - 06.02.2008

governor Ibrahim Idris of Kogi State and his predecessor , Prince Abubakar Audu, will today, know their fate as the appeal court rules on the governorship election.

Already, uneasy calm had pervaded the state as people await the outcome of the Appeal Court sitting in Lokoja.

Governor Idris had proceeded to the appeal court after the state election petitions tribunal nullified his election on the ground that the former governor, who was the flagbearer of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), was unlawfully disqualified from participating in the last year governorship election.

The hearing of the case was held about two weeks ago where the notice was said to have been passed to the counsel of the judgment today.

Today's judgment would surely determine the fate of the duo and that of governors of Adamawa and Kebbi states who have similar cases hanging on their necks.

Government and political activities in the state have been put on hold as party supporters have moved to Abuja, the venue of the appeal court in solidarity for their leaders.

Prince Audu had petitoned the Independent National Electoral Commission at the state election petitions tribunal for disqualifying him on the eve of the governorship election .

The tribunal, in its judgment, described as unlawful the disqualification of the ANPP from participating in the April 14 governorship election and thereby nullified the election of Governor Idris and ordered that a fresh election be conducted within three months.