The Supreme Court has been charged to use the opportunity of its adjournment of the review of some gubernatorial judgements to March 2nd, 2020, to consider returning the democratic preference of Zamfara State electorate to the All Progressive Congress (APC).
A civil society group, the
Coalition for the Sustenance of Democracy (CSD), made the call at a press conference in Abuja this Tuesday. It was represented by Igwe Uchenna, the National Coordinator; and Attah Isa as the Organising Secretary.
The apex court had been petitioned by the APC to reverse its earlier judgement that nullified the votes garnered by the party’s candidates at all levels in Zamfara in the general elections held in May 2019.
The judgement gave automatic victory to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a reversal of which is being sought by the APC.
The CSD commended the Supreme Court for giving a window of opportunity to review the case, declaring that it “it is the
fit and proper thing for the apex court to do in upholding the mandate of the people of Zamfara state freely given to those elected on the platform of the APC.
“To do otherwise as has been the case this few months is untenable, dangerous and usurpation of the right of the people of Zamfara to choose those who should govern them.
“Without a doubt, the apex court is final but not infallible, therefore, the review of the case in favour of the party and candidates that rightly won the election will be remember as one glorious moment in the nation’s judiciary.”
The CSD noted that the litigation which led to the judgement concerned the “duly held party primaries on the day before the closing day of for such an exercise and the INEC was duly informed”.
It therefore “remains a matter of wonder and curiosity that the leading political party in Zamfara state could be jettisoned in such a manner that its candidates that won elections have been denied the opportunity to serve their people, attend to their electorate and engendered democratic growth.
“This appeal is to essentially charge the Hon. Justices to show that they are humans, but worthy and dignified ones who are aware of their wide ranging powers but act in the greater interest of the people and justice.
“The Zamfara judgment ought not to have been heard in the first instance because it remains a pre-election matter. It is unlike the Imo guber election judgment which is an election matter. It is unlike Bayelsa which is anchored on forgery. Here it is a pre-election matter as to the emergence of candidates of the APC.
“Without a doubt, there were congresses for state assembly, national assembly and the governorship.
“The overwhelming votes for the candidates of the APC is enough testament to the confidence and willingness of the people on those to lead them. This should count for something in the hearts of the Hon. Justices. Our demand remains that on March 2, the court should demonstrate as it has always done that the peace, stability and the greater good”, the group added.
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