Adamawa guber: Umar Ardo withdraws appeal against Fintiri’s Re-Election

Umar Ardo, the Adamawa State Social Democratic Party (SDP) gubernatorial candidate for 2023, has decided not to appeal the re-election of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri to the Supreme Court.

Due to widespread corruption, threats, violence, and severe violations of the Electoral Act, Ardo attempted to have Fintiri’s re-election declared null and void.

According to Sylvester Imanobe, the SDP’s legal counsel, the party received 6,000 votes in the election. However, the court noted that the credibility of the election and its numerical strength are not the same thing.

In this regard, they observed the court’s disposition and heeded the indication to withdraw the appeal.

The Abuja Court of Appeal rejected Ardo’s appeal in November, contesting Fintiri’s election victory in 2023.

Justice Ugochukwu Ogakwu, who presided over the Tribunal under Justice Theodora Uloho, delivered the judgment. The Tribunal had previously rejected Ardo’s plea due to its incompetence and improper filing.

The appellate court determined that the complainants failed to provide sufficient evidence to support their claims that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) engaged in corrupt practices and failed to comply with the Electoral Act.

The appeal should be denied, according to Justice Ogakwu.

Following Fintiri’s announcement as the election’s victor, the SDP candidate and his party petitioned the State Governorship Election Tribunal.

Due to widespread corruption, threats, violence, and severe violations of the Electoral Act, Ardo attempted to have Fintiri’s re-election declared null and void.

The appellate court denied Ardo’s request to review the tribunal’s decision, even though he later filed an appeal.

The SDP candidate went a step further by appealing to the Supreme Court, but he ultimately decided against taking legal action against the governor.