The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, is credited with making the recent statement that the party will do everything in its power to defend the mandate of the State Governor, Abdullahi Sule. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nasarawa State chapter, has denounced this claim.
Sule was fired by the Nasarawa State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal after PDP candidate David Ombugadu took him to court to contest his victory in the state’s March 18, 2023, governorship election.
The APC National Chairman had encouraged party stakeholders not to worry about the tribunal victory of the PDP candidate at an event in Lafia over the weekend, assuring them that the governor’s mandate would be preserved. He was represented by the Vice Chairman in the North Central Zone, Muazu Rijau.
The PDP claimed in a statement released on Monday by the party’s public relations officer, Ibrahim Hamza, that the APC national chairman’s remarks pose a danger to both democracy and the rule of law.
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The PDP reaffirmed that the electoral tribunal’s decision must be respected because it is an essential part of the democratic system.
The opposition party emphasised that Nigerians should be able to freely choose their leaders and have faith in the judiciary’s independence and objectivity.
The party claimed, “Based on the facts before the tribunal, Governor Sule’s election was declared invalid. Sule has the ability to appeal this choice alone through legal channels, as well.
However, while the legal actions are ongoing, it is crucial that all parties follow the law and the due process.
It was remarked that Ganduje’s remarks only served to exacerbate political polarisation and undermine the foundational values of democracy.
The PDP reminded Ganduje that democracy is governed by laws and that there is nowhere in the nation’s Constitution that allows political parties to turn to self-help other than the judiciary in the event of political disputes. The PDP also called on all political leaders, regardless of their party affiliation, to refrain from making inflammatory statements that could disturb the peace and stability of the country.
The party pleaded with the APC national chairman and all Nasarawa State APC members to change their minds, respect the tribunal’s ruling, and let the legal procedure play out.
