By Milcah Tanimu
Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights activist, Femi Falana, has called for a review of the recent appellate court judgments that led to the removal of Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State and Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State. Falana expressed his views in an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.
Falana argued that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had failed in its responsibility to conduct proper elections in the country. He criticized the nullification of votes by the courts due to alleged negligence by INEC, particularly in clearing candidates without proper party primaries and the failure to stamp ballot sheets.
The human rights advocate stressed that election matters should be resolved before the inauguration of any administration. He pointed out that the recent appellate court decisions resulted in the removal of three governors, all from opposition parties.
In the case of Kano, the appellate court sacked Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) and declared Nasir Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner. In Zamfara, Governor Dauda Lawal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was removed, and the court ordered a fresh election in three local government areas.
Regarding Plateau State, the appellate court removed Governor Caleb Mutfwang of the PDP and directed INEC to issue a Certificate of Return to Nentawe Goshwe of the APC. Falana acknowledged the affirmation of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s election in Lagos State by the appellate court.
Falana urged those dissatisfied with the appellate court verdicts to seek recourse at the Supreme Court. He emphasized the need for the Supreme Court to address the controversies surrounding the non-stamping of ballot papers by INEC officials and suggested a review of the recent judgments in question.
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