ABUBAKAR DATTI YAHAYA, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): On the 21st of April 2007, an election was held into the House of Representatives for Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Logo Federal Constituency. The 1st respondent was sponsored by the 2nd respondent, the All Nigerian Peoples Party, to contest the election. The 1st appellant was sponsored by the 2nd appellant, the Peoples Democratic Party. At conclusion of the election, the 1st appellent was returned as the winner, having scored 273,051 votes. The 1st respondent scored 6,701 votes. Being dissatisfied with the result, the respondents as petitioners, presented a Petition No. BE/EPT/HR/22/2007 before the National Assembly/Governorship and Legislative Houses Election Petition Tribunal holden at Makurdi, on the following grounds:-
i. Your petitioners state that the 1st Respondent was not qualified to contest for the House of Representatives election held on the 21st day of April, 2007 having been indicted for corruption. ii. Your petit…