Zamfara: Beyond the Supreme Court verdict

The Supreme Court verdict on Zamfara elections has positive and negative implications. The positive side of the judgement is that it enhances the image of the judiciary, as a truly independent organ capable of exercising its constitutional duties without fear or favour. Its verdict against the ruling party is a courageous act. Secondly, political parties […]

The Supreme Court verdict on Zamfara elections has positive and negative implications.

The positive side of the judgement is that it enhances the image of the judiciary, as a truly independent organ capable of exercising its constitutional duties without fear or favour. Its verdict against the ruling party is a courageous act. Secondly, political parties will now have to ensure transparency, justice and fairness in the conduct of their primaries which in the past had been characterised by imposition and blatant disregard for rules and regulations as stipulated in the party constitution. Thirdly, citizens will now have greater confidence in the judiciary and will have no fear to pursue their rights whenever it is violated.

The negative side to it, however, is the fact that a party that was hitherto rejected bounced back. If the APC in the state had done the right thing and allowed the wish of the majority to prevail, the PDP will not have returned to power in Zamfara. I hope parties have learnt from this incident.

Abdullahi Dibo Jamaare wrote from Zamfara