The Nasarawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says Abdullahi Umar-Ganduji, National Chairman, of All Progressives Congress (APC) cannot reclaim a mandate his political party had stolen during the March 18 governorship election in the state.
Ganduje through the APC Vice Chairman (North Central) of APC, Ahj. Muazu Rijau, at an event in Lafia on Saturday, Oct. 14 said that he would defend and reclaim thier mandate in Nasarawa State.
Ahj. Ibrahim Hamza, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of PDP in the state stated this in a statement and made available to newsmen on Monday in Lafia.
The reaction by the PDP followed the comments made by the APC National Chairman that he would defend the declaration of Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State that was recently annulled by the Governorship Elections Petition Tribunal.
The tribunal on Oct. 2, in a split judgment where Justice Ezekiel Ajayi, Chairman of the tribunal and Justice Chiemelie Onaga, declared Mr David Ombugadu of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner of the election.
Meanwhile, the only dissenting judgment was delivered by Justice Ibrahim Mashi, who dismissed the petition filed by the PDP candidate for lacking in merit and upheld the declaration of Gov. Sule by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The PDP explained that this statement by the APC National Chairman did not only undermine the sanctity of democratic role, but had also revealed his blatant disregard for the rule of law and the will of the people.
The PDP reiterated that the verdict of the tribunal must be respected, as it is a fundamental component of the country’s democratic system.
“The people deserve the right to elect their leaders freely and have confidence in the independence and impartiality of the judiciary.
“The election was nullified by the tribunal based on the facts we presented before it.
“It is within the right of the governor to challenge this decision through legal means at the Appeal and Supreme Courts,” the PDP spokesperson in the state added.
The PRO further explained that the comments by the APC National Chairman only 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 the nation.
He therefore said that PDP would continue to remain committed to the promotion of democracy, rule of law, and the protection of the rights of all the people. (NAN).
END.