AMINA ADAMU AUGIE, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): The Sokoto State House of Assembly elections took place on the 14th of April 2007, and the 1st Respondent, who had decamped from the All Nigeria Peoples Party [ANPP] to the Peoples Democratic Party [40th Respondent] to contest for the office of Member representing Gada East Constituency, was declared the winner with 19, 759 votes as against 16, 508 votes credited to the Appellant, who was the candidate of the Democratic Peoples party [DPP]. Aggrieved, the Appellant filed a Petition at the Sokoto State National Assembly, Governorship and Legislative Houses Election Petition Tribunal (hereinafter referred to as the Tribunal), praying that it may be determined -
a) That the 1st Respondent was not duly elected or returned for reasons stated (in paragraphs 10 (a) - (x) of the Petition)
b) That the 1st Respondent's election or return be voided and the Petitioner be declared validly elected as the winner at the said election havin…