<p>UMOREN, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): The appellant and the respondents contested for the legislative seat of the Mani/Bindawa Federal Constituency of Katsina State, on 12th April, 2003. They contested on the platforms of the People Democratic Party (P.D.P.) and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) respectively.</p><p> At the conclusion of the election, the 1st respondent was declared the winner and returned as duly elected. </p><p> The appellant was not satisfied with the results declared. He proceeded to the Governorship and Legislative Houses Election Tribunal, Katsina, and on the 14th May, 2003, filed a petition challenging the return of the 1st respondent as the winner of the election of 12th April, 2003, into the House of Representatives of the National Assembly for the Mani/Bindawa Federal Constituency of Katsina State.</p><p> The 1st respondent, on being served with the petition, entered a conditional appearance and later filed his reply incorporating 10 grounds of objection and a moti…</p>