Femi Falana Calls for Review of Appellate Court Judgments on Kano and Plateau Governors’ Sack

Renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has urged a review of recent Appellate Court judgments that nullified the elections of Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State and Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program, Falana emphasized that the judgments should be revisited due to the failure of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct proper elections.

Falana expressed concern that the courts were annulling the votes of Nigerians because of INEC’s negligence in allowing candidates without proper primaries and failing to stamp ballot sheets.

He argued that thousands of votes should not be invalidated due to administrative lapses, and election matters should be resolved before the inauguration of any administration.

In the past week, the Appellate Court has nullified the victories of three governors declared winners by INEC in the March 2023 elections, with all three governors belonging to opposition parties.

The court sacked Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, replacing him with the APC’s Nasir Gawuna.

In Zamfara, it declared Governor Dauda Lawal’s election inconclusive and ordered a fresh election in three local government areas, where PDP’s Lawal and APC’s Bello Matawalle are major contenders.

On Sunday, the court also nullified the election of PDP’s Caleb Mutfwang in Plateau State, directing INEC to issue a Certificate of Return to APC’s Nentawe Goshwe.

While Falana acknowledged that each case is unique, he highlighted the need for consistency in legal decisions.

He criticised the failure of political parties to comply with court orders, stating that it is crucial for the political class to respect and adhere to court decisions.

Falana expressed hope that the Supreme Court would address the controversies arising from the non-stamping of ballot papers by INEC officials without recommending sanctions against them.

He called for a thorough review of the recent judgments to ensure fairness and justice in electoral matters.

Source: Channels TV