Protesters in Nasarawa State Demonstrate Against Supreme Court Judgment

Residents of Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, took to the streets to protest the recent Supreme Court judgment that confirmed the election of Governor Abdullahi Sule. The protesters, unhappy with the outcome, blocked the Lafia-Jos Road, lit fires with burnt tires, and chanted slogans against the government.

Concerned about the safety of their lives and property, local business owners quickly closed their shops, business centers, and schools in the vicinity.

The Supreme Court of Nigeria, in its judgment on Friday, affirmed Governor Abdullahi Sule’s victory, dismissing the appeal made by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, David Ombugadu. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun led the panel, resolving all issues against the PDP.

This judgment has sparked public displeasure, leading to protests in Nasarawa State. One of such protests occurred on the Lafia-Jos Road, where the demonstrators expressed their frustration towards the government.

In a post by Tonye Barcanista titled, ‘Protest breaks out in Nasarawa state over miscarriage of Justice by the Supreme Court,’ the author expressed disappointment with the deterioration of judicial reforms initiated by President Umaru Musa Yar’adua and continued by Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. The post also highlighted previous contentious judgments regarding the Imo state and Ogun state elections, which were perceived as electoral frauds.

The legal battle surrounding the Nasarawa State governorship election began when the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sacked Governor Sule of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and declared David Ombugadu of the PDP as the winner. Unsatisfied with the tribunal’s decision, the APC and its candidate presented an appeal at the Court of Appeal, which overturned the tribunal’s ruling, affirming Sule’s victory. The final verdict was sought by the PDP candidate, prompting the case to be taken to the Supreme Court.

Anticipating potential unrest, the Nasarawa State Police Command signed a peace agreement with the leaders of the PDP and APC before the Supreme Court judgment was announced.

Last week, there were concerns among the opposition camp regarding the composition of the Supreme Court panel assigned to hear the governorship election case. Some members expressed their disapproval, citing that two judges on the panel were from Yobe State, where Governor Sule is believed to have originated from. They also accused the APC national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, of influencing the panel by securing a member from Katsina State.