The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected Saturday’s tribunal judgement upholding the election of Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto.

In a statement signed by the PDP candidate in the 2023 governorship election in Sokoto, Sa’idu Umar, he stressed that the PDP remained confident and hopeful in the judicial processes to reclaim his mandate in a higher court.

“I wish to express our deep appreciation to the people of Sokoto state for support and prayers since we began the struggle to reclaim our stolen mandate.

“We also give all gratitude to Allah that we have successfully reached the first milestone in our quest to serve the good people of Sokoto state through participation in the Democratic process.

“Our ambition is to render service by the approval and mandate of our people through the instrument of a free and fair election,” Mr Umar said.

He reassured their supporters and the electorates that they were part of the struggle and shall continue to pursue the same with zeal and commitment.

“Today’s ruling of the Governorship Election Tribunal is only a stage in our struggle to reclaim that mandate of the electorate, who are confident of our sincerity of purpose and competence to deliver service and good leadership.

“My running mate and I and indeed our party, recognize the role of our nation’s Judiciary, as the last hope of the common man and we are well aware that it is only through recourse to it that justice can be attained,” he said.

He further called on supporters to remain focused, calm, law-abiding and rededicate themselves to the task of retrieving the mandate through the law.

The Sokoto Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on Saturday dismissed the petition against Governor Aliyu and his Deputy, Idris Gobir, filed by Mr Umar of PDP.

Mr Umar is challenging the election of Mr Aliyu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Mr Gobir over alleged non-qualification and electoral fraud during the March 18, 2023 governorship election.

In a unanimous judgement, the Tribunal Chairman, Justice Haruna Mshelia, held that the petitioners were unable to prove the six grounds formulated in the petition.

He said that the grounds bordered on alleged ineligibility for Messrs Aliyu and Gobir to contest, falsification of certificates, variation of names, election frauds and non compliance with electoral guidelines.

(NAN)