Breaking: Tribunal Declares APC Candidate, David Umaru Winner Of Niger East Senatorial Bye Election

National Assembly election Tribunal sitting in Minna has nullified the election of Dr Shem Nuhu Zagbayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last Niger East by-election and has ordered that David Umar of All Progressives Congress (APC) be returned as duely elected Senator for Niger East.

The by-election was concluded on the 6th of September, 2014 in favor of Barrister David Umaru of All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Chairman of the 3-man tribunal, Justice Ibrahim Bako gave the verdict in a judgement that lasted for hours.

Justice Bako saw the APC candidate returning with 79,779 votes as against Dr. Shem Zagbayi Nuhu of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who had 68,525 votes.

Umaru of APC had petitioned the tribunal challenging the declaration of Nuhu of PDP by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the winner of the by-election.

Ahead of the 2015 Election, the deputy governor of the state is now a member of the opposition APC and todays judgement brings the number of APC Senators in the state to two – Niger East and Niger North Senatorial districts while PDP hold on to its control of Niger South Senatorial district.