The Supreme Court has revealed its reasons for dismissing the appeals filed by Honourable James Faleke and former Kogi state governor Idris Wada.

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun who read the lead judgment said Faleke’s appeal was an “aberration, not known to law’’.

“This is a simple law. Since the election, had not been completed and the final results issued by the electoral body, Faleke, as a running mate, cannot claim ‎victory in the election,’’ she said.

“Nothing can be more apt as the governor had fully participated in the governorship primary election of the APC and came second after Abubakar.

“Unlike Faleke who did not meet that condition, but was simply selected to be a deputy governor.

“By virtue of the provisions of Section 221 of the 1999 Constitution it is the political parties that actually contest elections.

“The governor having become candidate of APC, and legally sponsored by the same party can lay claim to the votes scored by the party in the Nov. 21, 2015 poll,’’ she held.

In a similar vein, Justice Sylvester Ngwuta said the appeal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Idris Wada failed because it was frivolous.

“The testimonies relied on by the appellants relate to qualification of the first respondent (Bello) and his alleged failure to personally nominate a running mate.

“They have also challenged his non-participation in the Nov. 21, 2015 election and the combination of the votes and votes scored by late Abubakar.

“We join the tribunal and the appeal court to hold that the testimonies have no probable value.

“It is my view that the appellants did not prove a ground for this court to interfere with the concurrent findings of the trial tribunal and the court of appeal,’’ Ngwuta held.

Oludolapo Adelana

Dolapo is a writer and journalist who works with YNaija. He has interests in Christianity, politics and sports.