ABUJA/Nigeria: The Nigerian Youths in Politics (NYP) coalition launched scathing criticism against the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)-led administration in Kano State for its deliberate disregard of Electoral Law concerning candidates’ nominations.
The coalition emphasized that instead of relentlessly impugning the judiciary’s integrity, the party should accept responsibility for its self-inflicted predicaments.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Sunday, Comrade Magaji Alidu, the President of the coalition, articulated their stance. Alidu asserted that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the NNPP overlooked a crucial facet of the electoral process, warranting punitive measures for their negligence.
“Contrary to the ongoing assault on the Nigerian judiciary by disgruntled individuals who suffered losses at the tribunal and the Appeal Court due to non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2022, as amended, it’s imperative to clarify that the court’s decision regarding Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf’s membership status in the NNPP during his gubernatorial candidacy was not beyond its legal jurisdiction,” stated Alidu.
He further added, “The tribunal’s act of nullifying unauthenticated ballot papers, in accordance with Article 63 Sub Section 2 of the Electoral Act 2022, as amended, fortified democracy.
Additionally, Section 177, Sub-Section C of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, explicitly mandates gubernatorial candidates to be registered and sponsored by the respective political party.”
Alidu highlighted judicial precedents, citing the Supreme Court’s prior rulings in cases like Senator Hope Uzodinma vs Uche Nwosu, underscoring the significance of party membership and sponsorship for electoral candidacy.
“Any attempt to manipulate the law for personal gain will be futile. The judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, is the custodian of legal principles,” Alidu warned. “We caution political actors, especially those attempting to exploit legal loopholes, that the judiciary is a sacrosanct institution that must not be undermined.”
Furthermore, the coalition expressed regret over the Kano State Attorney General’s conduct, branding it as profoundly unprofessional and urging the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to promptly sanction the official. The coalition emphasized the necessity of upholding the legal profession’s integrity by addressing such actions.
The NYP’s firm stance underscores the need for adherence to electoral laws and the ethical conduct expected from legal authorities, urging a commitment to upholding the sanctity of Nigeria’s judicial system.
