The Court of Appeal in Abuja has sacked the Bauchi State House of Assembly Speaker, Abubakar Suleiman.
A three-member panel on Friday held that the election that produced Suleiman in Ningi Central Constituency in Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State was full of irregularities.
The appellate court ordered a rerun in 10 polling units in the constituency.
However, the Speaker has urged all his supporters and constituents to remain calm and law-abiding, viewing the situation as a temporary setback that will soon be rectified.
The Speaker expressed his acceptance of the judgement in good faith, citing his belief as a Muslim in destiny and fate despite the unfavourable outcome.
Characterising the judgement as a minor political setback, not uncommon in his political career, the Speaker stated his readiness for the rerun election, aiming to augment the almost two thousand-vote margin he previously secured against his opponent.
Meanwhile, the lead justice has warned the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct its affairs under the law to avoid plunging the country into crisis.
Delivering judgment in the Ningi Central Constituency appeal, said INEC’s conduct of the 2023 general elections was not as an unbiased umpire.
