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Nath Emberga, Lafia
The Nasarawa State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has hailed the judgement of the Court of Appeal in Abuja affirming Governor Abdullahi Sule as the winner of the March 18 governorship poll in the state.
This was contained in a statement signed by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Otaru Douglas, Thursday in Lafia, the state capital. The party, in the statement, welcomed with excitement the Appeal Court’s decision saying it had brought relief to the people.
The state’s Governorship Election Petition Tribunal had on 2 October nullified the election of the governor and declared David Ombugadu of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the election.
The Court of Appeal, on Thursday, overturned the tribunal’s decision to affirm Mr Sule’s re-election.
“This judgement is a further reflection of the decision of the majority of the people of the state at the poll and it is a victory for democracy. It has further rekindled the hope of the common man which was almost dashed by the uncertainties which pervaded the political atmosphere. The good people of the state can now have a sigh of relief from anti-democratic tendencies and distractions,” the statement added.
It stated that the resounding victory was a testament to the trust and confidence the citizens of the state have in the APC-led administration. The party congratulated the governor on the victory and expressed optimism of victory even at the Supreme Court should the opposition appeal the judgment of the Appeal Court.
It further called on the party supporters to celebrate with all sense of responsibility and avoid anything that could lead to break down of law and order. The party also called on PDP and its candidate to put aside all differences and rally behind the governor to move the state forward.
Meanwhile the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State says it will be filing an appeal to the Supreme Court to seek a fair and thorough review of the Court of appeal judgment that set aside the verdict of the election petition tribunal that sacked Governor Abdullahi Sule and declared Dr David Emmanuel Ombugadu as the lawful winner of the governorship election in the state.
In a statement issued to newsmen in Lafia, state chairman of the PDP, Francis Orogu described the appeal court judgment as a temporary setback.
Mr. Francis Orogu said the party after careful consideration and consultation with it legal team, expresses profound disagreement with the judgment of the Court of Appeal that invalidated the decision of the Election Petition Tribunal, which sacked Governor Sule and declared it candidate, Dr. David Ombugadu, as the duly elected governor.
“While we respect the judiciary and the rule of law, we firmly believe that the decision by the Court of Appeal does not align with the facts presented during the tribunal proceedings. Our legal team has identified significant grounds for appeal that we believe warrant a review of the judgment by the Supreme Court.”
“Our party will be filing an appeal to the Supreme Court seeking a fair and thorough review of the judgement of the Court of Appeal. We have confidence in the legal system and are optimistic that justice will prevail” the statement added.
“The PDP in Nasarawa State remains committed to upholding the democratic process and ensuring that the voice of the people is accurately represented. We continue to assert that the election results, as initially determined by the election tribunal, are a true reflection of the will of the people of Nasarawa State,” the statement further added.
The state chairman of the PDP urged teeming supporters, party faithful, and the public to remain calm and maintain confidence in the democratic institutions and the nation’s judicial system.
“While we wonder and ponder on the magic judgement of the appeal court of our great country Nigeria, we appreciate the support and solidarity shown by our members throughout this period, we urged our members and supporters to consider this judgment as a temporary setback,” the statement added.
It further stated that the struggle for justice is one that requires resilience and patience. Thus the PDP in Nasarawa State is resolute in its commitment to the principles of democracy and the pursuit of justice for the people.
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