11th August, 2024
By Richard Elesho
As the Supreme Court is set to begin its review and hearing on the Kogi State gubernatorial election, concerns are mounting over premature celebrations by supporters of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, raising questions about the integrity of the judicial process.
Ambassador Nurudeen Musa Sadique, National President of the Northern Initiative for Defence of Democracy and Justice, NIDDJ, has expressed reservations regarding the alleged All Progressives Congress (APC) celebrating in Kogi State.
These actions, according to a statement made available to journalists, undermine the court’s independence and impartiality, which it noted are vital for the fair functioning of democracy.
“The Supreme Court’s integrity is paramount, and its judgments must uphold the principles of justice without bias or external influence. Any compromise in this high-profile case could lead to a loss of public trust in the judicial system, setting a dangerous precedent for future elections in Nigeria.”
The national president further noted that to ensure a just and unbiased verdict, the court must scrutinize the electoral law, particularly the supremacy of the BVAS system. Legal experts overseeing this case must prioritize merit, evidence, and legal principles over technicalities that can derail justice.
A fair resolution in this case will bring relief and hope to the people of Kogi, reinforcing the democratic process and the power of their votes.
The court must demonstrate its commitment to transparency, fairness, and the rule of law. By serving justice in this case, Nigeria’s democracy will be strengthened, ensuring that future elections are free, fair, and credible.