Nasarawa PDP to Ganduje: your comments on tribunal judgment threat to democracy

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nasarawa State chapter, has condemned the recent statement credited to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, asserting that the party will do everything within its powers to protect the mandate of the State Governor, Abdullahi Sule.

The Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal in Nasarawa State had sack Sule, after the PDP candidate, David Ombugadu, dragged him to court, challenging his victory in the March 18, 2023 governorship election in the state.

Represented by the Vice Chairman in the North Central Zone, Muazu Rijau, at an event in Lafia during the weekend, the APC National chairman had told party stakeholders not to bother about the tribunal victory of the PDP candidate, assuring them that the governor’s mandate will be protected.

In a statement yesterday, by the party’s Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Hamza, the PDP said the comments of the APC national chairman is a threat to democracy and the rule of law.

The PDP reiterated that the verdict of the election tribunal must be respected, as it is a fundamental component of the democratic system.

The opposition party stressed that the Nigerian people deserve the right to elect their leaders freely and have confidence in the independence and impartiality of the judiciary.

The party said, “Governor Sule’s election was nullified by the tribunal based on facts before it. Similarly, it is within Sule’s rights to challenge this decision through legal means only.

“However, it is essential for all parties to respect the rule of law and due process while the legal proceedings are ongoing.”

It noted that Ganduje’s statement does nothing but incite political tensions and undermine the principles upon which democracy stands.

The PDP called on all political leaders, regardless of their party affiliation, to refrain from making inflammatory statements that could disrupt the peace and stability of the nation and reminded Ganduje that democracy is governed by laws and that there is nowhere in the country’s Constitution that allows political parties to resort to self-help other than the judiciary in the event of political disputes.

The party urged the APC national chairman and all members of the APC in Nasarawa State to reconsider their position, respect the decision of the tribunal and allow the legal process to run its course.