ABUBAKAR ABDULLAHI V. MUTAWALLI MOHAMMED ALHAJI

 ABBA BELLO MOHAMMED, JCA (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This is an appeal against the decision of the National and State House of Assembly Election Tribunal holden at Yola, Adamawa State (the Tribunal), delivered on 30th October, 2023, wherein the Tribunal dismissed the Petition.

The Appellant herein contested the election conducted by the 4th Respondent on 18th March, 2023 for the seat of Member, Girei State Constituency of the Adamawa State House of Assembly which was concluded with the supplementary election of 15th April, 2023. At the end of the election, the Appellant was returned elected having scored majority of lawful votes cast at the election. Dissatisfied with the outcome of the election, the pt and 2nd Respondents herein instituted a Petition before the Tribunal on 5th May, 2023 challenging the return of the Appellant on the ground that he was not elected by a majority of lawful votes cast at the election and that the election was invalid by reason of non-compliance wi…