Twenty-six civil society groups, represented by the Eye on the Judiciary Coalition (EJC), have responded to the recent Appeal Court judgment on the Kano State gubernatorial elections.
During a meeting in Lafia, Nassarawa state, the group expressed dismay, describing the judgment as indicative of a justice system susceptible to influence.
The coalition asserted that a thorough review of the judgment reveals numerous inconsistencies and contradictions, suggesting partisanship and compromise within the judicial process.
According to Comrade Salisu Musa Yahaya, the Coordinator of the EJC, the aftermath of the presidential election litigation raised concerns about the functionality and independence of Nigeria’s judiciary.
Notably, the EJC highlighted the recent Kano election judgment, affirming the tribunal’s ruling, as lacking justice and undermining the people’s right to choose their leader. The group pointed out the judiciary’s inconsistency, citing a previous ruling that deemed party membership/leadership issues as internal party affairs and not justiciable, contrasting sharply with the handling of the Kano case.
The coalition emphasized the importance of an open court system, expressing concern that recent political developments have eroded public confidence in Nigeria’s judiciary, potentially leading to anarchy.
The group lamented the absence of judicial officials from Kano in the decision-making process and urged the Governor of Kano State to appeal to the apex court, even in the face of waning faith in the judiciary. They called on the judiciary to restore public confidence by affirming the popular will of the Kano people and upholding the victory of Governor Abba K. Yusuf.”
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