Justice Tijjani Abubakar, a renowned judge known for delivering fair and just judgments, recently made a significant ruling that has garnered attention in the political sphere. In a case brought before him, he dismissed the appeal by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Chukwuma Odii, on the grounds of lacking merit.
The case in question pertained to the election of Governor Nwifuru of Ebonyi State. The Court of Appeal in Lagos had previously affirmed Nwifuru as the duly elected governor, and the recent appeal by the PDP sought to contest this decision. However, Justice Abubakar, along with a three-member panel led by Justice Jummai Sankey, unanimously dismissed the appeal, stating that the PDP and its candidates lacked the legal right to interfere in the internal affairs of the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding candidate nominations.
This ruling by Justice Abubakar carries significant implications for the political landscape in Ebonyi State. With the affirmation of Nwifuru as the elected governor, it solidifies his position and reinforces the legitimacy of his victory in the March governorship election. Nwifuru’s closest rival, Ifeanyi Odii of the PDP, had garnered significantly fewer votes, further reinforcing Nwifuru’s position as the people’s choice.
It is essential to note that this ruling is not without controversy. The PDP and its candidate had raised issues of alleged certificate forgery and ineligibility on the part of Nwifuru. They claimed that he was still a member of the PDP at the time of the election and thus ineligible to be sponsored as a candidate by the APC. Additionally, they argued that Nwifuru had submitted a fake certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
While these allegations were undoubtedly serious, Justice Abubakar, along with the panel, carefully analyzed and assessed the evidence presented. Ultimately, they found the arguments lacking merit and provided a firm decision in favor of Nwifuru.
This ruling not only has immediate consequences for the political landscape in Ebonyi State but also sets a precedent for future cases and the conduct of elections. It reinforces the importance of upholding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that candidates meet the necessary qualifications and requirements set forth by the electoral body.
In conclusion, Justice Tijjani Abubakar’s recent ruling in the case involving the election of Governor Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has upheld the legitimacy of Nwifuru’s victory and dismissed the appeal by the PDP and its candidate. This decision carries significant implications for the political landscape in the state and serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to electoral laws and requirements.