The plethora of judgements coming out from the Court of Appeal against the opposition is copiously amazing, but not the least surprising. Two fundamental perspectives suggest certain important scenarios, while one appraises judgment for sale and the other kowtows to the wishes of the ruling party.
This approach by the ruling party has robbed electoral victories of their shine and focuses attention and determination on the judiciary. The categories of judicial pronouncements that relate to financial inducements include those of the Labor Party and the PDP in Enugu State.
The Enugu debacle brings to light who was victorious in the gubernatorial election of March 18, 2023. In addition to winning the election, Chijioke Edeoga also successfully sued Peter Mbah for forgery against the NYSC, the organization that created the document. The albatross, therefore, was the number of juggernauts and financial spinners on the side of Mbah that is overwhelming to such an extent that it buttresses the point that elections are so far the exclusive preserve of the nouveau rich.
The election-expected petition results that have the government’s microscopic eye fixated on them include those of Lagos, Kano, Zamfara, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and the Plateau states. Taraba and Bauchi bear no significant interest since whatever the development in Taraba is, it is a duel between the PDP and NNPP, and the ruling party does not stand to achieve any specific stake in the outcome. Bauchi is a faith accomplice since the PDP masquerade affirmed obeisance to the sanctum.
The result of Lagos up to the Supreme Court Judgement is known by any discerning mind; by any stretch of the imagination, no miracle is expected in Kano and Zamfara for the reversal of the decisions since the Lord of the Manor has taken a hard stance on the matter to upturn the apple cart. Plateau might escape the sledgehammer since he had paid the desired reverence to Obia Akpor Hitler, who might wax his political dexterity in his famed area of specialization to wriggle him out of the woods.
Kaduna and Nasarawa are currently on the surgical table undergoing an operation that will expose the extent of the internal injuries to ensure the retention of the status quo ante. While Kaduna may provide an easy leeway given the judgement of the election petition tribunal, Nasarawa is a hard nut to crack as it relates to arithmetical errors.
The Plateau state senatorial and House of Representatives disqualification of the election winners leaves a sour taste in the mouth. Perhaps the President of the Court of Appeals, being from the Plateau, was under siege and intense pressure to subvert the will of the people in giving out Judgement. Whatever the results, the judiciary and the election umpire have shaken the confidence of the populace, which could cause them to abstain from voting in subsequent elections.
Article By Umar Sani
@UmarSanithecat #Judgement