Former Senator Shehu Sani Condemns Court of Appeal Judgment, Citing Concerns for Democracy
Former Senator Shehu Sani, who represented Kaduna Central, has voiced his apprehension over the trajectory of the Nigerian judiciary, stating that it is swiftly becoming “the coffin of democracy.” Sani’s remarks come in response to the recent Court of Appeal judgment that ousted Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau and declared Nentawe Yilwatda of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the March 18 governorship election.
The three-member panel of the appellate court, in a unanimous decision on Sunday, ruled that Mr. Muftwang was not validly sponsored by the PDP as stipulated by Section 285 [2] of the Nigerian Constitution. Consequently, the court directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the certificate of return issued to Mr. Muftwang and award it to Mr. Yilwatda.
Shehu Sani, known for his pro-democracy activism, expressed deep concern about the judgment, deeming it unfortunate, unacceptable, and condemnable. In a statement on his social media handle, he characterized the decision as a “broad daylight heist of the will of the people,” lamenting that the judiciary is increasingly becoming the impediment to democracy.
The Court of Appeal’s decision has ignited debates and criticisms, with Sani’s comments highlighting broader concerns about the state of democracy and the role of the judiciary in upholding the will of the people. As reactions continue to pour in, the Plateau State political landscape is set for a potential shift following this contentious judicial decision.
