Bauchi State capital and environs erupted in jubilation yesterday following the State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal’s affirmation of Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed as the duly elected governor of the state.

The 3-man tribunal led by Justice PT Kwahar, dismissed the petition by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and its gubernatorial candidate, Ambassador Saddique Baba Abubakar.

The tribunal affirmed that Mohammed, who was declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as winner of the gubernatorial election, actually won the election with the majority votes cast.

The tribunal dismissed the APC petition for lack of credible evidence to discredit result of the gubernatorial election as declared by INEC.

The tribunal’s premises, however, erupted in Jubilation by members and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) engaged in drumming and praises to show joy and happiness over the victory.

Reacting to the verdict, Mohammed commended the tribunal for upholding his victory despite the indiscriminate demonisation of the country’s judicial system.

Speaking shortly after the tribunal affirmed his election, he called on his opponents to sheathe their swords and join him to harness enormous resources of the state to create a modern economy that would benefit everyone within Bauchi State as Nigeria’s pearl of tourism.

“Today, the Governorship Elections Petition Tribunal sitting in Bauchi, revalidated the mandate that you gave to me last March. It was a profound judgment that will continue to resonate within multiple circles as a demonstration of judicial rigour and common sense and an affirmation of the sovereign will of the people over political brinksmanship and an entitlement mentality.

“Our victory today is by the grace of Allah, who gives power to whom he wishes and takes it without consulting the holder. We are once again reminded that all power is held in trust on behalf of God.

“It is an unambiguous statement that despite the mischief of political merchants who arrogate to themselves kingmaker status and deceive some of our unsuspecting compatriots into believing that they can determine the destiny of others, God still reigns in the affairs of all his creations,” he said.