The Zamfara Democracy Advocacy and Action (ZDAA), has hailed the decision by the Appeal Court to sack Dauda Lawal as the Governor of Zamfara State describing it as a victory for the popular will.
The Chairman of ZDAA, Mahmood Lawal Gusau, in a statement, while reacting on the judgment, commended the judges for addressing the concerns regarding the election held in the state and declared that the court’s decision has restored the integrity of the judiciary and regained the trust and confidence of the people in the nation’s justice system.
“This reaction is to welcome and stress that the Appeal Court’s decision in Zamfara is indeed a victory for the popular will, as it upholds the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability in the electoral process,” the Group said.
According to ZDAA, the judgment by the Appeal Court declaring the election held in three local government areas – Maradun, Birnin-Magaji, and Bukkuyum of Zamfara State as inconclusive and ordering a rerun is a clear indication that the court has taken into account the public concerns raised by the Appellant, former governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle and other stakeholders.
“The fact that elections were not held in these three local government areas of the state raises serious doubts about the legitimacy of the electoral process. By acknowledging these concerns and ordering a rerun, the court has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring that the popular will of the people is respected and upheld.
“Secondly, the decision of the Appeal Court in Zamfara is a significant step towards restoring the integrity of the judiciary. In recent times, there have been widespread allegations of corruption and bias within the judiciary, which have eroded public trust and confidence in the justice system.
“However, by delivering the Zamfara judgment that is fair, impartial, and based on the merits of the case, the court has shown that it is capable of upholding the principles of justice and acting as a check on the excesses of the executive and legislative branches of government. This decision will go a long way in rebuilding public trust in the judiciary and reaffirming its role as the guardian of the rule of law,” the Group said.
Furthermore, ZDAA said the court’s decision in Zamfara is a victory for the popular will because it sends a strong message that attempts to subvert the electoral process will not be tolerated.
“By nullifying the election and ordering a rerun, the court has demonstrated that it will not hesitate to take decisive action against those who seek to manipulate or rig elections for their own personal or political gain. This decision serves as a deterrent to future electoral malpractices and reinforces the importance of free and fair elections in a democratic society.
“This decision has contributed to the restoration of the integrity of the judiciary and the rebuilding of public trust and confidence in the nation’s justice system. It also serves as a strong message that attempts to subvert the popular will through electoral malpractices will not be tolerated. The Appeal Court’s decision in Zamfara is a significant milestone in the fight for a more democratic and just society,” they said.
The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has officially recognized Monday Okpebholo as the legitimate governor of Edo State.
In a series of three judgments, the tribunal rejected petitions submitted by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Action Alliance, and Accord Party.
The tribunal determined that the PDP did not present any witnesses to substantiate its claims of overvoting.
Specifically, the PDP failed to bring forth polling unit agents from the locations where they alleged electoral discrepancies occurred.
Furthermore, the tribunal noted that among the 19 witnesses presented by the petitioners, 14 were ward and local government agents, while the primary witness, who claimed to be a director of strategy for the PDP, had no involvement in the election’s execution.
Additionally, the tribunal remarked that the BVAS evidence submitted by the petitioners was inadequately presented.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi State has condemned the ban on political rallies and convoys imposed by the state government.
State Chairman of SDP, Mr Ahmed Attah, issued the condemnation in a statement signed by the SDP Press Secretary, Isaiah Ijele, on Tuesday in Lokoja.
The party described the ban as an attack on democratic principles and a blatant attempt to silence opposition voices.
Attah urged Gov. Ahmed Ododo to learn from the past and avoid repeating old, harmful practices that have hindered the state’s progress.
“The party views this action as an attempt to suppress the freedom of association and movement enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
Attah insisted that the state is not at war and urged the government to focus on development instead of engaging in political manoeuver.
He warned that Kogi must not return to the dark days of repression, particularly against the opposition. (NAN)
The Presidential Candidate of the defunct National Conscience Party (NCP) in the 2015 general election, Chief Martin Onovo, has said the only unity and emergence of a strong candidate could secure victory for the coalition of opposition leaders in 2027.
Onovo, an activist and Head of Policy Positions, Movement for Fundamental Change (MFC), said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.
He was reacting to the recent announcement of an opposition coalition to challenge the All progressives Congress (APC) in the next presidential election.
Presidential Candidate of the defunct National Conscience Party (NCP) in the 2015 general election, Chief Martin Onovo,
“The coalition of opposition leaders needs a candidate that is vigorous; a strong candidate to brighten its chances in 2027. The coalition needs somebody with a clear agenda and a clear vision.
“The opposition needs a candidate with a strong background of integrity. Nobody is perfect, but you need a strong background of integrity.
“The opposition needs somebody who is morally and mentally competent, and physically fit. The opposition does not need the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or any old person if it wants to win.
“The opposition doesn’t need any old person now. It is time to use the energy of the young.
“They must present a strong candidate, who is strong morally, mentally, and physically, with a clear patriotic agenda to move the country forward, ” Onovo said.
He added that the coalition had a lot that could work to its advantage in 2027 and urged members to work with unity of purpose to achieve convincing victory.
Also speaking on chances of the ruling party in 2027, the politician said APC could remain in power if the challenges arising from subsidy removal and other economic issues were addressed by the present administration.
He also said President Bola Tinubu still had the opportunity to address the security challenges in the country to win in 2027 ,and remain in power ,if interested
Onovo, who noted that he was not part of the organisers of the mega coalition, said that he had always been part of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) since 2019 elections.
He called on all Nigerians to unite for the development of the country, ensuring leadership that would fulfill the country’s aspirations.
NAN recalls that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, had recently announced the formation of a coalition, aimed at unseating Tinubu in 2027.
Atiku made the declaration during a press conference in Abuja, attended by several opposition politicians, including former APC members.
Among those present at the even were the 2023 Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, represented by Dr Yunusa Tanko; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal and a former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai. (NAN)
