Niger Delta Youth Congress(NDYC) has urged the Supreme Court to critically review the controversial verdicts of the Appellate Court on Governorship elections in Kano, Plateau and Zamfara States.
A statement on Saturday signed by Comrade Israel Uwejeyan, National Coordinator of NDYC, explained that the Supreme Court’s critical review of these controversial decisions as the apex temple of Justice is essential to salvage the dwindling integrity of the judiciary.
Uwejeyan warned that failure to address these issues promptly could jeopardise Nigeria’s stability and reputation, potentially leading to dire consequences such as anarchy and bloodshed.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, the Group called on President Bola Tinubu to act decisively to avert anarchy.
“It is paramount to emphasise that the ramifications of these discordant verdicts extend beyond the confines of the courtroom; they reverberate through the very sinews of our democratic framework.
“Alerting the Federal Government and the international community to the potential consequences of inaction is crucial.
“Those who fail to act when warning signs are evident, bear responsibility for any momentous events resulting from the judiciary’s compromised integrity.
“We implore all stakeholders to prioritise the restoration of coherence and integrity to the electoral process, thereby safeguarding the hallowed tenets of democracy upon which our nation stands,” Uwejeyan said.
He pointed out that the prevailing uncertainties within the judiciary pose a substantial risk, evident in the disparate rulings of the Appellate Court in States like Kano, Plateau, and Zamfara.
He said:”The ostensible divergence in judicial interpretations has cast a pall of uncertainty upon the electoral landscape, compelling the vigilant attention of our discerning youth constituency.
“It is imperative to underscore our unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy, justice, and the rule of law, which form the bedrock of our societal fabric.
“The Byzantine nature of the legal labyrinth within which these electoral contests find themselves necessitates a nuanced and comprehensive analysis.
“The cacophony of legal postulations and discordant rulings have sown the seeds of doubt within the public psyche, thereby impinging upon the sanctity and integrity of the electoral process.
“In scrutinising the ramifications of these conflicting judgments, it becomes manifestly apparent that the judiciary, as the vanguard of justice, ought to dispense verdicts imbued with unassailable coherence and consistency.
“The chimerical specter of incongruity in the adjudicative process not only erodes public confidence but also engenders a deleterious impact on the democratic ethos.
“In the Kano case, the Appellate Court’s ruling on Abba v APC raises questions regarding the court’s jurisdiction in pre-election matters.
“The well-established electoral jurisprudence principle that designates pre-election matters exclusively to the Pre-Election Court finds support in various legal authorities, including the Supreme Court’s stance in Peter Obi v INEC.
“Regrettably, the Appellate Court’s departure from these principles in the Abba case necessitates correction by the Supreme Court, the bastion of justice.
“This deviation jeopardises the purposeful categorisation of election matters into pre and post-election, undermining legal certainty and sowing unprecedented confusion in electoral litigation.
“Allowing such a ruling to endure could unravel our electoral jurisprudence, counter-productive to the system.
“While ensuring political parties adhere to electoral guidelines is vital, overturning an entire election in Kano raises concerns about the democratic process’s legitimacy.
“This ruling arguably infringes upon people’s right to choose leaders, excessively empowering the judiciary.
“The situation underscores the imperative of balancing the rule of law with the democratic will of the people.
“Moreover, the disparities between the court’s oral judgment and the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Kano governorship election ruling cast doubt on the judiciary’s transparency and integrity.
“Such inconsistencies erode public trust, exacerbating skepticism and speculation. The Appellate Court’s endorsement of annulling 166,000 votes in Kano, citing irregularities and non-compliance, raises questions about judgment consistency.
“Contradicting its ruling in Governor Adeleke’s case, where similar irregularities didn’t lead to vote nullification, undermines equal treatment before the law, fueling doubts about the court’s impartiality.
“The identified discrepancies and contradictions in the Appellate Court’s rulings pose profound threats to Nigeria’s democratic system.
“They undermine equal treatment under the law, erode public trust, foment political instability, and create a fertile ground for social unrest.
“The apparent targeting of volatile states like Kano, Plateau, and Zamfara hints at a deliberate effort to foment regional crises, potentially escalating to national conflicts.
“The current trajectory of Nigeria’s judiciary presents complications and unforeseen consequences. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must act decisively to avert anarchy and bloodshed.”
