Court of Appeal Invalidates Senator Ishaku Abbo’s Victory, Declares Amos Yohanna Winner

In a dramatic turn of events, the Court of Appeal in Abuja overturned the initial verdict, unseating Senator Elisha Abbo, who represented Adamawa North.

The court’s three-member panel, headed by Justice C.E. Nwosu-Iheme, directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue a Certificate of Return to Amos Yohanna, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, who was duly elected as the lawmaker for the constituency.

This decision starkly contrasts with the prior tribunal judgment, which had upheld Abbo’s victory under the All Progressives Congress (APC) banner.

INEC’s declaration of Abbo as the victor in the February 25, 2023, parliamentary election had led to a legal challenge by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on behalf of Yohanna.

The tribunal had initially dismissed Yohanna’s petition, citing a lack of merit. However, dissatisfied with this outcome, the PDP candidate, represented by Johnson Usman (SAN), escalated the matter to the Court of Appeal.

The court, in concurrence with Usman, pointed to Section 137 of the Electoral Act, 2022, highlighting a clear deviation from electoral protocol.

Following a meticulous review, the court subtracted invalid votes from both parties’ totals, ultimately affirming Yohanna and the PDP as the victors, securing a majority of lawful votes.

In response to this development, Senator Abbo, while denouncing the verdict as a blow to democracy, implored his supporters to remain composed.

Meanwhile, according to Channels, Senator Elisha Abbo has made startling allegations, asserting that five senators are earmarked for removal due to their lack of support for Godswill Akpabio’s bid for the senate presidency.

Speaking at his residence in Abuja, shortly after the Court of Appeal nullified his senate election, Abbo, representing Adamawa North, included Orji Uzor Kalu in the list of senators purportedly facing expulsion from the red chambers for their non-allegiance to Akpabio.

Despite the court’s ruling in favour of Amos Yohanna of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the victor of the February election, Senator Abbo maintains that he secured victory with a margin of 11,000 votes.

This divergence of perspectives adds an intriguing layer to an already politically charged narrative.

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