Zamfara Governor Sacked, Rerun Ordered in Three LGAs

In a significant turn of events, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has nullified the victory of Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, declaring the March 2023 governorship election inconclusive, Aso Naija Reports.

The court also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct fresh polls in three local government areas: Maradun, Birnin-Magaji, and Bukkuyum.

The ruling overturned the decision of the Zamfara State Election Tribunal, which had earlier affirmed Lawal’s election. Lawal, a candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had been declared the winner of the March 18 election, defeating his main challenger, Bello Matawalle of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Matawalle, however, challenged Lawal’s victory, alleging irregularities and non-compliance with electoral laws. The Court of Appeal, in its judgment, found merit in Matawalle’s claims, citing discrepancies in the election results from the affected local government areas.

The court’s decision has thrown the political landscape of Zamfara into uncertainty, with both the PDP and APC gearing up for a fresh battle for the governorship. The rerun election is expected to be held in the near future, with the specific date yet to be announced by INEC.