Adamawa poll: CNPP lauds Justice Ekwo, for making judiciary last hope of Nigerians

By Musa Baba Adamu

Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has hailed Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja for temporarily declining to hear an application by Senator Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru, seeking an order of the court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from invalidating her declaration as winner of the governorship election in Adamawa State.

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Binani, had on Monday approached the court for leave to file an application for judicial review of the administrative decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) made on April 16, 2023 in respect of her declaration as winner of the governorship election in Adamawa State which held on March 18 and the supplementary elections of April 15.

The CNPP, in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Willy Ezugwu, noted that the judiciary has by the court’s verdict saved the state from anarchy, saying that “it is now left for our Judges and Justices to rekindle the courage with which they delivered landmark judgments during the military dictatorship while delivering justice in all litigations on the 2023 general elections without fear or favour.”

According to the umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in the country, “the judiciary is said to be the last hope of the common man and as far as the Nigerian democracy is concerned today, only the judiciary ensure its sustenance in view of poor conduct of the 2023 general elections.

“This has become imperative as INEC, the supposed Independent electoral umpire, has failed the country by performing below expectations of majority of Nigerian people in the way and manner it conducted the general elections.

“On their path, most security agencies portrayed themselves as instruments in the hands of politicians and this was equally evident in Adamawa State where the police provided cover for the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Barr. Yusuf Hudu Ari, who usurped the powers of the Returning Officer for the Adamawa State governorship election.

“There were many instances where the security agencies deployed to states on election duties failed to protect the electorates and, as seen in some viral videos, allegedly provided cover for hoodlums who attacked and maimed innocent citizens whose sins were going out to exercise their franchise.

“The security agencies equally performed below President Muhammadu Buhari’s directives in post-2023 general elections in parts of the country.

“The courageous decision of Justice Inyang Ekwo on the experte order brought before the court foiled a civilian coup in Adamawa State.

“All Nigerians of good faith and lovers of democracy all over the world have their eyes fixed on the judiciary to restore hope in our people, especially the youths, and re-energise the confidence of the electorates who trusted INEC and went out to vote in the 2023 general elections”, the CNPP averred.

INEC issues Certificates of Return to Kebbi Gov-elect, deputy

By Christiana Ekpa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday in Birnin Kebbi, issued Certificates of Return to Dr Nasir Idris, Governor-elect of Kebbi State, and the Deputy, Sen. Umar Abubakar.

Prof. Sani Kalla, INEC National Commissioner in charge of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara, also issued certificates of return to 10 elected members of the State House of Assembly in the last Saturday supplementary elections.

The state has 24 State Constituencies and INEC on March 30 presented certificates of return to 14 winners of the March 18 House of Assembly poll in the state.

Four out of the 24 House of Assembly memberselect contested and won on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while 20 others won on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Idris, shortly after receiving the certificate, lauded the commission and security agencies for ensuring enabling environment for the electorate to exercise their civic responsibility.

He also thanked the electorate for ensuring a successful exercise and having confidence in them by giving them the mandate to steer the affairs of the state.

“Kebbi is endowed with natural resources, and we will do everything humanly possible to tap those resources for the benefit of the people in the state.

“We will continue with the good work the current administration is undertaking and will do new ones. We will create so many opportunities for the people, especially in the agricultural sector.

“On insecurity, we will do everything to bring security in the affected areas in the southern part of the state.

“We will fulfill all the promises we made to the people during the electioneering campaign in the state, God willing,” he said.