The Court of Appeal in Abuja has sacked Suleiman Wanchiko, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker representing Bida I (North) State Constituency in Niger State, and declared Bako Kasim of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the rightful winner. The court upheld the argument that Wanchiko presented a forged testimonial to INEC, disqualifying him from the election.

In a significant development, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has nullified the position of Suleiman Wanchiko, the representative for Bida I (North) State Constituency in Niger State, and declared Bako Kasim of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the legitimate winner. This decision follows a three-member panel’s judgment, delivered by Justice Bature Isa-Gafai, which deemed Wanchiko’s appeal unmeritorious.

The appellate court supported Kasim’s counsel, Johnson Usman (SAN), asserting that Wanchiko, by submitting a forged testimonial to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), should be disqualified from participating in the election.

INEC had initially declared Wanchiko the winner of the Bida I (North) Constituency poll for the Niger State House of Assembly election held on March 18. Wanchiko secured 12,062 votes, while Kasim received 11,820 votes.

Discontent with INEC’s declaration, Kasim and the APC filed a petition at the state’s election petition tribunal, citing Wanchiko’s lack of qualification due to a forged testimonial and alleging non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2022.

The tribunal found merit in the petitioners’ arguments, disqualified Wanchiko, and ordered a re-run without his participation.

Unsatisfied with the tribunal’s decision, Wanchiko, represented by counsel Aliyu Lemu, SAN, appealed to the Court of Appeal, seeking to overturn the tribunal’s ruling.

However, Kasim’s lawyer urged the court to dismiss Wanchiko’s appeal and reinstate his client as the rightful winner of the election.

The Court of Appeal upheld Usman’s argument, stating that Wanchiko’s disqualification warranted the return of Kasim as the winner of the poll. The court directed INEC to issue Kasim a Certificate of Return, solidifying his victory in the election. This ruling underscores the importance of electoral integrity and adherence to qualifications outlined by the Electoral Act.