Overturn  Appeal Court’s Ruling in Kano, Plateau, Zamfara Group Calls

A group known as the Northern Initiative for Peace and Economic Development urged the Supreme Court on Wednesday to overturn the Appeal Court’s ruling and preserve the popular mandate in the states that were affected by the Election Petition Appeal Tribunal’s ruling regarding the governorship seats in Kano, Plateau, and Zamfara.

The group’s leader, Abel Jilemsam, said that Nigeria’s well-being depends on the peace and stability of the states of Kano, Plateau, and Zamfara.

Jilemsam said this in Jos while addressing a press conference tagged, ‘Urgent appeal for justice, respect for a popular mandate in Kano, Plateau and Zamfara governorship election petition Appeal judgments”.

He claims that the recent governorship elections in Kano, Plateau, and Zamfara, which took place on March 18, 2023, showed the people’s collective will to shape their states’ futures. To guarantee the ongoing survival of democratic values in Nigeria, the will of the people as expressed through the electoral process must be honored.

He said: “We recognize the importance of a fair and impartial judiciary in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding democratic principles. The judiciary plays a critical role in ensuring justice, protecting citizens’ rights, and preserving the credibility of the electoral process. 

“Any actions that compromise these principles undermine the very foundation of any democratic nation. Without a functioning judiciary, there is a risk of constitutional violations going unchecked, leading to the erosion of citizens’ rights and freedoms. The fairness and transparency of the judicial system are vital for fostering public trust, confidence, and belief in the democratic process.

“The citizens of Kano, Plateau, and Zamfara have exercised their democratic rights, and their voices must be heard and honoured. Attempts to undermine the sanctity of these elections not only jeopardize the democratic principles that Nigeria upholds but also erode public trust in the electoral process.

“We call upon all stakeholders, including the electoral authorities and the judiciary, to ensure a thorough and unbiased judgement as we head to the supreme court for disputes arising from the ruling of appeal Judgments. It is crucial that the legal processes be transparent, just, and free from any undue influence to preserve the democratic foundation on which our nation stands.

“In the spirit of unity and progress, we urge all parties involved to prioritize the greater good of the people and respect the outcome of the elections. Upholding the popular mandate is paramount for the sustained growth and development of our democratic values in Nigeria.”

Northern Initiative for Peace and Economic Development in collaboration with Coalition groups also frowned at a one-party system in Nigeria.