LG polls: Yobe CJ swears in petition tribunal, appeal panel

Yobe State Chief Judge, Justice Gumna Kashim Kaigama, has sworn in members of the Local Government Election Tribunal and Appeal Panel for the local government election conducted in the state on September 26, 2026.

The swearing-in ceremony was held at the High Court of Justice, Damaturu, and was attended by the State Grand Khadi and other High Court judges.

Speaking at the ceremony, Justice Kaigama said the election tribunal has the sole jurisdiction to hear and determine petitions arising from the just concluded council polls.

According to him, the appeal tribunal has exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine appeals arising from the decisions of the election tribunal.

He noted that in deciding the final outcome of an election, the will of the people must be prioritised.

The Chief Judge charged members of both panels to abide by their oath of office and to remain mindful of the enormous responsibility placed on them.

“Focus on what transpired on election day and remain independent, objective and free from bias, favouritism or any form of discrimination,” he urged them.

Those sworn in as chairmen of the appeal panel are Justice Lawu Lawan for Zone A, Justice U. Z. Mohammed for Zone B, and Justice H. L. L. Musa for Zone C.

For the election tribunal, the chairmen are Ahmad Bahuya, Abba Bukar, Yahaya Bako, Mamman Shettima, Yusuf M. Garba and Salisu Baffa Abubakar.