The 2023 governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Adamawa State, Umar Ardo, has decided to withdraw his appeal challenging Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s re-election at the Supreme Court.
Ardo, who contested the 2023 governorship election in Adamawa State under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), sought to invalidate Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s re-election, citing substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act, corrupt practices, threats, and violence during the electoral process.
Sylvester Imanobe, counsel for the SDP, mentioned that the party garnered 6,000 votes, but the court emphasized the distinction between the integrity of the election and numerical strength. Recognizing the court’s disposition, they opted to withdraw the appeal.
In November, the Court of Appeal in Abuja had already dismissed Ardo’s petition, upholding the earlier decision of the Tribunal led by Justice Theodora Uloho.
The tribunal had ruled that Ardo’s petition was incompetent and not properly filed, as the appellants failed to substantiate allegations of corrupt practices and non-compliance with the Electoral Act against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).Justice Ogakwu ruled that there was no foundation to entertain the appeal.
Following Governor Fintiri’s victory declaration, Umar Ardo, the SDP candidate, and his party submitted a petition to the State Governorship Election Tribunal.
Ardo aimed to invalidate Fintiri’s re-election, citing substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act, corrupt practices, threats, and violence during the election.
After the tribunal’s judgment, Ardo appealed the decision, which the appellate court subsequently dismissed. Although Ardo initially approached the Supreme Court, he later withdrew his appeal against the governor.