23rd November, 2023
By Sunday John
As expected, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State is celebrating Thursday’s the Appeal Court judgment that upturned the sack of Gov. Abdullahi Sule by the governorship election tribunal, while the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has indicated it will challenge the verdict at the Appeal Court.
The tribunal had on Oct. 2 annulled the election of the governor and declared David Ombugadu of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the election.
But the Court of Appeal reversed the sack on Wednesday, affirming Governor Sule as as winner of March 18 governorship poll in the state.
Reacting to the judgment, the Nasarawa chapter of APC in a statement by its State Publicity Secretary, Mr Otaru Douglas welcomed with excitement the Appeal Court decision, saying it had brought relief to the people.
“This judgement is a further reflection of the decision of the majority of the people of the state at the poll and it is a victory for democracy.
“It has further rekindled the hope of the common man which was almost dashed by the uncertainties which pervaded the political atmosphere.
“The good people of the state can now have a sigh of relief from anti democratic tendencies and distractions,” the statement added.
It stated that the resounding victory was a testament to the trust and confidence the citizens of the state have in the APC-led administration.
The party congratulated the governor on the victory and expressed optimism of victory even at the Supreme Court should the opposition appeal the judgment of the Appeal Court.
It further called on the party supporters to celebrate with all sense of responsibility and avoid anything that could lead to break down of law and order.
The party also called on PDP and its candidate to put aside all differences and rally behind the governor to move the state forward.
However, the PDP rejected the verdict of the Appeal Court and promised to challenge it at the Supreme Court.
Mr Francis Orogu, State Chairman of the PDP in a statement in Lafia, described the Appeal Court judgment as a temporary setback.
Orogu said that the PDP, after careful consideration and consultation with its legal team, rejected the outcome and decided file an appeal at the apex court.
“While we respect the judiciary and the rule of law, we firmly believe that the decision by the Court of Appeal does not align with the facts presented during the tribunal proceedings.
“Our legal team has identified significant grounds for appeal and we believe we can get justice at the Supreme Court.
“We have confidence in the legal system and are optimistic that justice will prevail at last,” Orogu added.
The PDP chairman noted that the declaration by the tribunal was the true reflection of the will of the people of Nasarawa State at the poll on March 18.
He, therefore, urged their supporters and members of the public to remain calm and still have confidence in the judiciary.
Orogu appreciated the supporters of the party for their prayers and solidarity throughout the period of the struggle from tribunal to Appeal Court.
(NAN)