Senator Mohammed Ndume of All Progressive Congress (APC) is battling in two war fronts: for his Borno South Senatorial District seat being threatened by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Malam Kudla Satumari and also for the position of Senate President.
Kudla Satumari is challenging the declaration of Senator Ndume at National and State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Nyanya today, Wednesday over who won the February 23 senatorial election in the Senatorial district.
Joined as respondents in the petition are the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The tribunal headed by Justice Peter Kekemeke adjourned hearing in the petition to May 6, 7 and 14 for parties to present their applications.
In the petition dated March 15, with number, EPT/BO/SEN/1/2019, Satumari said that the election was marred by corrupt practices and non-compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act.
He sought the order of the tribunal for cancellation of the election; and for INEC to conduct fresh election for the Senatorial District within 90 days.
Ndume, in his reply to the petition, denied most of the allegations in the petition.
In his reply filed on April 10, he said that the said Borno South Senatorial election was free and fair and not marred by irregularities and non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
He also demanded that the petitioner provide concrete proof, in accordance with the law, the veracity of the petition.
Ndume claimed that he would prove during trial that the petition was defective, incompetent and lacked compliance with the Electoral Act.
Tribunal relocated its sitting from Maiduguri to Abuja, following approval by the president of Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa.
Source: NAN.
