Faleke vows to appeal tribunal’s judgment

James Faleke, the running mate of late Abubakar Audu has said he will continue to pursue his case against Yahaya Bello who is currently Governor of Kogi State.

Addressing a news conference in Abuja on Monday, after the Tribunal’s verdict which denied his plea, Faleke announced plans to appeal the judgment.

According to Faleke, “One thing I can say is that the judges have delivered their own judgment. I am going to consult my own lawyers and I am very certain that we will appeal the judgment. I believe it is not in tune with our constitution.”

He said the Tribunal erred in law by dismissing his petition without examining the whole merit of his case.

“The judgment said that the party had the right to choose a candidate, but only limited to a period before the election.

“If it is before the election, which of the elections are they referring to?” Faleke questioned.

He further pointed out that the judges did not look at the main subject of his petition.

He was the running mate of Abubakar Audu, the initial candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the Kogi State governorship election. Audu was leading in the election before he died a day after the election was held.

He was, however, replaced with Yahaya Bello, a decision that Faleke strongly opposed, refusing to be the running mate of Bello.

After Bello was sworn in as Governor, he filed a petition, claiming he was the right candidate to take over late Audu’s position.

On the other hand, Governor Bello, declaration the decision of the tribunal as divine and a victory for democracy and the people in the state.

 “It is significant, as it came on the first day of Ramadan,” the governor said.

“Well, everybody has the right. Just like he has the right to go on the Tribunal, he has the right to go and appeal up to Supreme Court level.

“But I am only extending my hands of fellowship to him to come over. There is a lot to be done, both in the state and the National Assembly, instead of washing our dirty linen in the public,” Governor Bello reiterated.