Aisha, Taraba and the law

Since Nov 8, when the Taraba State  governorship tribunal gave it’s ruling, I  have followed trend of events just as I have listened keenly to various opinions on what should have been or rather what the judges should have done on the matter.

But what many have failed to emphasise is the position of the law on the matter. 

I must state here clearly that the law is no respecter of person and as such it must be adhered to at all times.

It is also important to recognise the danger of misinterpreting the law as such could have dire consequences on the nation. 

Now, the law is very clear on who should contest an election. The Nigerian constitution / the Electoral Act do not recognise independent candidature, therefore every candidate vying for a position must be presented through a platform; ie, party.

The law also requires that he/ she must emerge through a properly conducted Primaries. 

Now, if these conditions are not met,it means that the law has been violated. 

In the case of Taraba governorship, it was proven that the governor, Darius Ishaku, who contested under the Peoples Democratic Party, did not emerge through a Primaries. It therefore means that he was not sponsored by any party to contest the election. Personally, I think it’s a closed case; the law has been violated and punishment must be meted out.

The tribunal has started the process of correcting that anomaly and I urge the Appeal Court to go ahead and uphold the ruling which sacked Darius Ishaku from office and returned the candidate of All Progressive Congress (APC) Hajia Aisha Alhassan, as the duly elected winner if the election. 

Anything short of upholding that election will amount to setting a bad precedent, which will not be good for the nation’s democracy. 

Upholding the tribunal ruling will further stabilise our democracy, because apart the Taraba PDP, there were many instances where Primaries were not held and where they were held, candidates were imposed.

Upholding the ruling will have far reaching implications that will outlive all of us.

Looking the other way as is being advocated by some people is morally wrong, just as it is illegal. 

I therefore appeal to the learned judges of the appellate court to help in sustaining and growing our democracy by upholding the tribunal ruling.