Kogi Governorship Election Tribunal Rules out Faleke Case and Rules in Favour of Yahaya Bello

Tribunal rules that James Faleke lacks the locus standi to challenge the substitution of Late Audu Abubakar having not participated in the APC primaries that produced Audu Abubakar.

Hon. James Faleke

The Tribunal further holds that the constitution does not recognize independent candidates as political parties are the ones vested with the power to nominate and sponsor a candidate for any election.

Mr James Faleke of the All Progressives Congress (APC) wants the Kogi State election petition tribunal to declare him as the authentic winner of the November 21, 2015 governorship election in Kogi State on the ground that the current Governor, Mr Yahaya Bello never participated in the said election.

The petitioner, Mr Faleke was running as the deputy governorship candidate under the late Abubakar Audu up until INEC declared the poll inconclusive after Mr Audu died.

INEC went ahead to ask the APC to nominate a replacement for the deceased.

Mr Bello was nominated and he selected Mr Faleke as his deputy, but Mr Faleke declined.

Mr Faleke thereafter approached the tribunal asking it to declare him governor-elect.

Stay tuned for more information on this rulling...