Court throws out case challenging Gaidam’s eligibility

The Federal High Court Abuja, yesterday, dismissed a case challenging the eligibility of Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam to contest as governor of Yobe State during the 2015 election.

The trial judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed, while dismissing the case filed by Ayuba Sabo, held that the plaintiff misconceived Section 182 (1) (b) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

The plaintiff, in the pre-election matter, prayed the court to declare Governor Ibrahim Gaidam as ineligible to contest the 2015 election based on the combined effects of sections 182 (1) (b) and 191 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

Section 182 (1) (b) provides that “No person shall be qualified for election to the office of the Governor of a State if - he has been elected to such office at any two previous elections.”

Gaidam, who was the then former Yobe deputy governor, was sworn in as the executive governor in January 2009 following the death of Governor Mamman Ali in Florida, USA. He was again sworn in as democratically elected governor on May 29, 2011.

According to the court, Gaidam contested the election for the first time as governor of Yobe State in 2011, adding that he was entitled to contest again in 2015.

Gaidam, in his reaction, said he was grateful to God Almighty for the judgment passed in his favour. “The judiciary, once again, has performed its duty and ensured that justice is done,” he said.