A pro-democracy advocacy group, ‘Citizens Participation Against Corruption Initiative’, has called upon the judges of the Supreme Court to rectify perceived injustices in the verdicts delivered by Election Petitions Tribunals and the Court of Appeal regarding the 2023 elections in Nigeria.
In a passionate address at a press briefing held in Abuja, its Executive Director, Comrade Bishir Dauda Sabuwar-Unguwa Katsina, highlighted the crucial role of impartial and independent election petition tribunals in ensuring free and fair elections, and expressed concerns about the potential ramifications on democracy, peace, and stability.
The group emphasised the importance of addressing election disputes through legal mechanisms to uphold the principles of justice.
Of particular concern was the Kano State governorship election dispute, which it described as delicate and intricate. The group urged the Supreme Court to carefully consider the consequences of its actions, pointing out discrepancies in the tribunal’s decision-making process.
According to the group, the controversial deduction of votes for the declared winner and the subsequent declaration of a candidate with fewer votes raised questions about the integrity of the electoral process.
Comrade Bishir Dauda underscored the potential risks to democracy and peace. He warned of increased voter apathy, a crisis of legitimacy and heightened political rivalry if the Supreme Court failed to address the concerns raised by the citizens.
The prominent pro-democracy activist, also addressed the prevailing tension in Kano State, emphasising that any judgement invalidating the popular mandate could have adverse effects on electoral democracy.
Furthermore, the group highlighted the perceived image crisis facing the Judiciary, calling on the Supreme Court to seize this golden opportunity to restore public confidence and dispel negative perceptions.
‘As the citizens await the Supreme Court’s decision, the call for justice echoes across Nigeria, Comrade Dauda emphasised the pivotal role the Judiciary plays as the last hope for the “common man” in a vibrant democracy.
“Therefore, now the ball is in the Supreme Court to do the needful; correct the anomaly and change the prevalent negative perception of the Judiciary.Let me repeat that this is a golden opportunity for the apex court to change the negative narrative and reverse the ugly trend that poses great danger to our democracy and peace”, he stated.
