Politics

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, has appeared again to conduct a press conference in the aftermath of the judgement passed by the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal in favour of President Bola Tinubu. 

Below is the full text of the press conference: 

Protocol. 

Gentlemen of the Press. Someone asked me what I would do if I lost my election petition appeal at the Supreme Court. In response, I said that as long as Nigeria wins, the struggle would have been worth the while. By that, I meant that the bigger loss would not be mine but Nigeria’s if the Supreme Court legitimizes illegality, including forgery, identity theft, and perjury.  

If the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land, implies by its judgment that crime is good and should be rewarded, then Nigeria has lost and the country is doomed irrespective of who occupies the Presidential seat. If the Supreme Court decides that the Electoral umpire, INEC, can tell the public one thing and then do something else in order to reach a corruptly predetermined outcome, then there is really no hope for the country’s democracy and electoral politics.  

Obviously, the consequences of those decisions for the country will not end at the expiration of the current government. They will last for decades. I am absolutely sure that history will vindicate me. We now know what the Supreme Court has decided. 

At critical points in my political life, I always ignored the easy but ignoble path and chosen the difficult but dignified path, the path of truth, of morality, of democracy and rule of law.  

I always chose freedom over servitude, whatever the personal discomforts my choice entails. When I joined politics, the critical challenge was easing the military out of power so that civilian democratic governance could be restored in Nigeria. It later became a very defining struggle, and, as one of the leaders of that struggle, I was targeted for elimination.  

In one incident, nine policemen guarding my home in Kaduna were murdered in an attempt to assassinate me. I was also forced into exile for nine (9) months. In addition, my interest in a logistics company that I co-owned was confiscated and given to friends of the military government. As Vice President in the civilian government that succeeded the military, I, again at great personal cost, chose to oppose the extension of the tenure of the government beyond the two four-year terms enshrined in our constitution.  

In response to the official backlash against me, I instituted several cases in the courts, which led to seven landmark decisions that helped to deepen our democracy and rule of law. At the current historic moment, the easier option for me would have been to fold up and retreat after the mandate banditry perpetrated by the APC and INEC.  

But I went to the Nigerian courts to seek redress. I even went to an American court to help with unravelling what our state institutions charged with such responsibilities were unwilling or unable to do, including unravelling the qualifying academic records of the person sworn in as our President and by implication, hopefully who he really is.  

I offered that evidence procured with the assistance of the American Court to our Supreme Court to help it to do justice in this case. I give this background to underscore that what we are currently dealing with is bigger than one or two presidential elections and is certainly bigger than Atiku Abubakar. It is not about me; it is about our country, Nigeria. It is about the kind of society we want to leave for the next generation and what kind of example we want to set for our children and their children.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Adamawa State Governorship Election Tribunal has upheld Umaru Fintiri’s victory in the March 2023 governorship election.

Fintiri, representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), secured 430,861 votes, defeating Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who received 398,738 votes.

The tribunal’s ruling dismissed challenges from Dahiru and other contestants, affirming Fintiri as the legitimate winner.

The decision highlights the principles of Nigeria’s electoral process, providing a clear path for Fintiri to continue his governance in Adamawa State.

By Mansur Hassan, PhD

Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Executive Governor of Kano State, has recently shed light on the alleged misappropriation of funds by Nigerian governors, exposing lack of impactful policies.

Over the past eight years, Kano State witnessed a dearth of policies that benefit the less privileged directly. In contrast, the Kwankwasiyya administration, led by Abba Gida Gida, has swiftly demonstrated its prowess in governance within five months, particularly through transformative healthcare and educational ‘revolution’ spanning from primary to tertiary levels.

Under Kwankwasiyya’s leadership, there has been a significant focus on education, including sponsoring first-class graduates to foreign universities—an initiative emulated by other nations. The educational revolution initiated during the 1999-2003 and 2011-2015 periods has left an enduring mark, with numerous scholars benefiting from foreign scholarships.

However, the governors who presided over the state from 2015 to 2023 failed to implement any substantial policies for the state’s improvement. Criticism was leveled against the transformative programs introduced by H.E. Abba Kabir Yusuf, particularly after the mass wedding event known as “auren ‘yangata.” The sponsorship of 1001 first-class graduates further intensified opposition, with the former Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, dismissing the program as useless.

This criticism seemingly stemmed from the program’s focus on underprivileged children, contrasting with Ganduje’s past sponsorship of his own children’s education abroad. The clash underscores a debate on priorities and equitable policies in Kano State.

Dr. Mansur Hassan is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Mathematics, Yusuf Maitama Sule University Kano

By Sabiu Abdullahi

In a recent press conference held in Kano, the renowned Hausa political singer, Rarara, made startling accusations against Nigeria’s immediate-past president, Muhammadu Buhari.

Rarara, who gained fame for his unwavering support for Buhari through numerous hit songs, publicly voiced his regret over endorsing the former president.

He accused Buhari of leaving behind a crumbling economy for the current president, Bola Tinubu. 

Rarara’s criticisms were not limited to Buhari alone; he also questioned the current administration’s silence regarding what he described as the alleged financial mismanagement during Buhari’s tenure.

He called for transparency and openness, emphasizing the importance of truthfulness in governance.

The singer warned against building the foundation of the current administration on falsehoods, highlighting the potential disastrous consequences such a path could lead to for the nation. 

He expressed deep concern over the destruction he claims Buhari caused to the country and urged the current administration to openly acknowledge these challenges to the Nigerian people. 

When asked about his regret for supporting Buhari, Rarara openly admitted his disappointment, stating that he had supported the former president blindly, hoping that Buhari would address the damage caused by the previous administration.

He emphasized the need for transparency and honesty in governance, urging leaders to be accountable to the citizens they serve. In addition to his criticisms, Rarara highlighted his significant contributions to the success of the ruling party.

He asserted his right to have a say in political appointments, citing his pivotal role in supporting President Tinubu’s victory.

The singer argued that his efforts, particularly in the northern region, warranted recognition, either in the form of a political appointment or the opportunity to recommend individuals for such positions.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Supreme Court has affirmed the decision of the tribunal concerning the appeals of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.

The apex court, in a unanimous decision, backed the lead judgment delivered by Justice John Okoro, thereby dismissing Atiku Abubakar’s appeal challenging the judgment of the presidential petition tribunal. 

The Supreme Court panel, comprising eminent justices including Uwani Aji, Mohammed Garba, Ibrahim Saulawa, Adamu Jauro, Abubakar Tijjani, Emmanuel Agim, and Salawa Ibrahim, collectively upheld Okoro’s ruling.

Justice Salawa Ibrahim stated, “The application by Atiku is frivolous and vexatious and deserves to be dismissed. I find no merit in the appeal and dismiss, and I affirm the decision of the lower court.” 

Justice Agim echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the necessity for the authentication of evidence.

He said, “I agree with the reasoning that the fresh evidence is not authentic as stated by the authority before it was presented. It was not sealed or had the signature. It cannot be used in Nigeria without authentication.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigerian National Assembly is gearing up for a pivotal period as President Bola Tinubu prepares to present the 2024 budget within the next two weeks. 

Additionally, the President is set to submit the supplementary budget for 2023 to the National Assembly for consideration, according to Senator Solomon Adeola, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation. 

During the inaugural meeting of the committee, Senator Adeola assured that the National Assembly would work diligently to ensure that the 2024 budget is passed before December 31, 2024.

Addressing concerns about the delayed budget presentation, Senator Adeola acknowledged the challenges posed by the change in government, emphasizing that the new administration’s vision and policies needed careful consideration. 

“We must acknowledge the change of government on May 29. The new administration has a new vision, and there are bound to be challenges,” Senator Adeola stated.

Despite these challenges, he promised a thorough examination of the budget, emphasizing the committee’s commitment to meeting the expectations of the Nigerian people. 

“The Finance Minister and the Minister of Budget and Planning are working tirelessly,” Senator Adeola affirmed.

Senator Adeola also addressed concerns about budget padding, dismissing the notion and emphasizing that projects nominated for the budget document were essential to meeting the needs of the people.

He stressed the importance of efficient implementation, highlighting the committee’s dedication to ensuring that government spending aligns with the priorities of infrastructure development. 

In a move signaling a shift in fiscal focus, the National Assembly aims to collaborate closely with key economic stakeholders.

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, are scheduled to brief the committee on the action plan for the economy and the collaborative efforts between the National Assembly and the executive branch. 

Senator Adeola emphasized the assembly’s commitment to directing a significant portion of the budget towards driving essential infrastructure projects.

“We won’t support a government where the majority of the budget is spent on the cost of running the government,” he stated firmly.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

President Bola Tinubu has appointed nine new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). 

The appointees and their respective states are: 

1. Mr. Isah Shaka Ehimeakne — Edo State
2. Mr. Bamidele Agbede — Ekiti State
3. Mr. Jani Adamu Bello — Gombe State
4. Dr. Taiye Ilayasu — Kwara State
5. Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi — Lagos State
6. Alhaji Yahaya Bello — Nasarawa State
7. Prof. Mohammed Yalwa — Niger State
8. Dr. Anugbum Onuoha — Rivers State
9. Mr. Abubakar Fawa Dambo — Zamfara State

These appointments, pending Senate confirmation, signify President Tinubu’s commitment to fostering a transparent and fair electoral process in Nigeria.

The nation eagerly awaits the Senate’s decision, anticipating a future marked by credible and unbiased electoral practices. 

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Supreme Court has announced Monday, October 23, as the date for delivering judgment on the appeal filed by Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), challenging the verdict of the Presidential Tribunal. 

The tribunal had earlier affirmed the victory of President Bola Tinubu, who was declared the winner of the February 25 election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). 

Atiku, who secured the second position in the election, approached the court after his initial suit was struck out. 

In his appeal before the highest court in the land, Atiku’s lead counsel, Chris Uche, SAN, filed a 35-ground notice of appeal, arguing that the tribunal’s judgment contained a “grave error.” 

He contended that the tribunal failed to nullify the presidential election due to non-compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022, citing evidence of grave misrepresentation by INEC, which violated the principles of the Electoral Act 2022 based on the “doctrine of legitimate expectation.” 

Additionally, Atiku sought to present fresh evidence related to a certificate suit he instituted against Tinubu in the US, alleging that Tinubu forged documents submitted to INEC. 

Atiku affirmed the seriousness of presenting forged documents, especially by a candidate aspiring for the highest office in the country, calling it a “grave constitutional issue” that must not be overlooked. 

Tinubu, in response, urged the Supreme Court to dismiss Atiku’s application, labeling it a “crass abuse of court processes.” 

However, Atiku countered, urging the court to consider the substance of his claims rather than technicalities, emphasizing the importance of addressing the constitutional concerns raised by the alleged forgery.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Court of Appeal in Abuja voided the election of Ishaku Abbo, the current representative of Adamawa North Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

The court ruled in favour of Amos Yohanna from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Abbo, affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC), confirmed the decision to journalists on Monday.

The implications of this ruling on the district’s political landscape are profound, sparking anticipation about the region’s future representation in the National Assembly.

Abbo was a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) before later switching to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

By Sabiu Abdullah

The Federal High Court in Abuja has disqualified Chief Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from contesting the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State, slated for November 11, 2023. 

The ruling, delivered by Donatus Okorowo, came in response to a lawsuit filed on June 13, 2023, by Deme Kolomo, a member of the APC, under the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/821/2023.

The court found that Sylva, who had previously served as the state’s governor for two terms, would breach the 1999 constitution as amended if allowed to contest again.

Justice Okorowo pointed out that Sylva had been sworn in twice and had ruled the state for a total of five years, making him ineligible to run for office again. 

Citing the precedent set in the case of Marwa vs. Nyako at the Supreme Court, Justice Okorowo noted that the constitution clearly states that no individual should be voted into the office of governor more than two times.

The judge stressed that allowing Sylva to contest the upcoming election and potentially serve another term would exceed the constitutionally mandated limit of two terms, amounting to more than eight years in office.

This ruling has far-reaching implications for the political landscape in Bayelsa State, setting a legal precedent that reinforces the constitutional boundaries governing the tenure of elected officials.

As the people of Bayelsa prepare for the forthcoming election, this decision reshapes the dynamics of the race, opening the field for new contenders and underscoring the importance of upholding the nation’s constitutional principles.