The Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s position as the legitimately elected governor of Gombe State in a landmark decision. The verdict, delivered unanimously by a three-member panel of justices, brings to an end a legal challenge launched by People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Jibrin Barde.
The appellate court, after careful consideration, deemed the appeal by Barde as lacking in merit, providing a decisive endorsement of the earlier verdict delivered by the Gombe State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on September 23. The tribunal had previously validated Yahaya’s election victory, and the Court of Appeal found no grounds to overturn this judgment.
This ruling reinforces the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate’s legitimacy as the elected governor, solidifying the mandate conferred by the electorate during the gubernatorial election held on March 18. The Court of Appeal’s affirmation further underscores the judicial validation of the democratic process that brought Yahaya to office.
As Gombe State continues on its path of governance under Governor Yahaya, this legal outcome not only affirms the credibility of the electoral process but also serves as a testament to the resilience of democratic institutions in upholding the will of the people.
