The Nasarawa State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party has strongly condemned the recent statement credited to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, in which he asserted that the party would do everything within its powers to protect the mandate of the State Governor, Abdullahi Sule.
Sule was sacked by the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal after the PDP candidate, David Ombugadu, dragged him to court, challenging his victory at the March 18, 2023 governorship election in the state.
The APC National Chairman who was represented by his Vice in the North Central Zone, Muazu Rijau, while attending an event at the weekend in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, had told party stakeholders not to bother about the tribunal victory of the PDP candidate, assuring them that the governor’s mandate will be protected.
But the PDP, in a statement made available to Journalists in Lafia on Monday, by the party’s Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Hamza, said the comments of the APC national chairman is a threat to democracy and the rule of law.
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The statement reads, “The PDP reiterates that the verdict of the Election Tribunal must be respected, as it is a fundamental component of our democratic system. The Nigerian people deserve the right to elect their leaders freely and have confidence in the independence and impartiality of the judiciary.
“Governor Sule’s election was nullified by the Tribunal based on facts before it. Similarly, it is within Engr Sule’s rights to challenge this decision through legal means only. However, it is essential for all parties to respect the rule of law and due process while the legal proceedings are ongoing.
“Mr Ganduje’s statement does nothing but incite political tensions and undermine the very principles upon which our democracy stands.
“The PDP calls on all political leaders, regardless of their party affiliation, to refrain from making inflammatory statements that could disrupt the peace and stability of our great nation.
It added, “Let us remind Ganduje that democracy is law-governed and that there is nowhere in our laws that allows political parties to resort to self-help other than the judiciary in the event of political disputes.
“Therefore, we urge the APC Chairman and all members of the APC in Nasarawa State to reconsider their position, respect the decision of the Election Tribunal, and allow the legal process to run its course.
“The PDP remains committed to the promotion of democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of the rights of all Nigerians. We call on all stakeholders to work together to strengthen our democratic institutions and maintain peace and order in our beloved nation.”
