Justice Salami Blasts Judiciary, Says Peter Obi Shouldn’t Have Contested 2023
A former President of the Court of Appeal, Isa Salami, has stirred fresh controversy by declaring that former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, was not qualified to contest the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party Nigeria.
Speaking in Ilorin during an award presentation by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, the retired jurist blamed judicial inconsistencies on what he described as incompetence among some judges.
According to Salami, Obi’s emergence as the Labour Party candidate violated constitutional provisions, arguing that the party had already submitted its membership list to the Independent National Electoral Commission before Obi defected from the Peoples Democratic Party.
“In strict terms, he ought not to have been allowed to contest because the Constitution does not recognise independent candidacy,” Salami said.
He drew a parallel with the case of Abba Yusuf, questioning the legitimacy of his earlier political status, and criticised the Supreme Court for upholding decisions he believes were flawed.
The former Appeal Court President lamented that judicial appointments are increasingly influenced by regional considerations rather than merit, leading to what he called a decline in competence on the bench.
“At times, when you read some judgments, even from the Supreme Court, you are left wondering what is going on,” he remarked.
Despite his criticisms, Salami expressed optimism that reforms would eventually correct the anomalies within the judiciary.
He also acknowledged the honour bestowed on him by the WSCIJ, praising the organisation for recognising excellence and integrity.
Reflecting on his personal journey, Salami credited Obafemi Awolowo for inspiring his decision to study law, while also noting that the boldness of Wole Soyinka shaped his outlook on national issues.
