The Chairman, Kano State chapter of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, Hashimu Dungurawa has kicked against the judgment delivered by the Appeal Court against Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The judgment delivered at the Appeal Court in Abuja on Friday had sacked Governor Yusuf on the ground that he was not a valid or card carrying member of the party.

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Dungurawa in an interview said the verdict shows Democracy is gradually coming to an end in the country if the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC recognized Yusuf as the party candidate, declared him winner of the election and handed him certificate of return but the judiciary will do otherwise.

When asked whether Governor Yusuf is a card carrying member of the party, Dungurawa said, “It is INEC that is in better position to tell you that, because this man purchase his form from INEC, he filled and return it back. And the same INEC declared him winner after polling the highest number of total vote and was given the certificate of return.

“With this verdict, I will say sorry for Nigerian democracy. Because there is no how somebody go to his community, campaign and people gave him their mandate and will get a popular vote but at the end of the day, the judges will do something else.

“You see in democracy, it is a game of number. There is no how people will go and cast their votes in millions and then a judge will just come overnight and cancel the votes and then another comes and say he has no powers to cancel the votes then go ahead to say you don’t have a card carrying member of the party. We are talking about membership, if that is a case, how did INEC recognize the person that contest under the platform and say is the winner after scoring so and so number of votes. And went ahead to give him certificate of return. And even the judges sworn him into the office. And now they are coming to tell us another story. This is shameful in democracy. And how can you do such in a state like Kano where won 26 out of 40 seats in the state assembly, we won 18 out of 24 members of house of representatives, which story do you tell the people. That you want to apply some technical issues.

“With this kind of attitudes and actions by our judges, I am very sure democracy is coming to an end. Because nobody will go and waste his time to vote for anybody in 2027 because we know at the end of the day even if you win there are some judges that will deny you that right. And that is why we are saying no to the judgment and appealing to our people to remain calm and be law abiding. And we are going to take it to the next level where I think we have people of high integrity. And justice will be done.

“Because if this continue to happen in our courts, there is a danger.

“We urge the judges to fear God and know that there is hereafter. They should not monetize or sell their integrity,” Dungurawa however stated.

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, on Friday, described as baseless and defamatory allegations that some judges collected the sum of five million dollars as a bribe to sack him from his position.

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Some section of the media had on Thursday accused the former Governor of Plateau state and Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong of giving $5 million to three justices of the Appeal Court including Justices Elfrieda Williams-Dawodu, Akams, and Waziri to sack Mutfwang of the Peoples Democratic Party as governor and declare the All Progressives Congress Candidate, Nentawe Yiltwatda as the winner of the 2023 governorship poll in Plateau State.

The report which was circulated in social media also said that the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu had met with Lalong after a lawyers conference in Abuja on Thursday and had mandated him to deliver the bribe to the judges.

However, Governor Mutwang in a statement on Friday condemned the publication and distanced himself from the narrative.

The statement which was signed by Mutwang’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere said, “Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has strongly condemned the baseless and defamatory allegations circulated by certain individuals, accusing judges of receiving a $5 million bribe for the nullification of his victory.

“Governor Mutfwang vehemently condemned the publication and attributed it to the deliberate actions of his detractors aimed at sowing discord between him and the esteemed judges and other constituted authorities.”

Expressing his deep concern over the matter, Governor Mutfwang demanded thorough investigations by security agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible for the libelous publication.

“He (Governor Mutfwang) emphasised the need to ensure that these individuals face the full consequences of the law with a view to setting a precedent that discourages similar misconduct.

“Governor Mutfwang unequivocally distanced himself from the false narrative, dismissing it as mere fabrications crafted by individuals who are being manipulated as pawns by the opposition party in Plateau State.

“The Governor noted that the latest move is an attempt to tarnish the image of the PDP Government in the state, and pointed out that such malicious actions will not deter his commitment and confidence in the Judiciary.

“Reaffirming his unwavering support for the judiciary, Governor Mutfwang warned those disparaging the justices and respected leaders, to desist from their destructive activities immediately or face the severe consequences of their actions” the statement added.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented Certificate Of Returns to Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, and his running mate, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

Diri, PDP candidate for the November 11 off-cycle governorship election in the State, was declared winner by the INEC early in the week.

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The INEC National Commissioner in charge of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Rivers states, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, presented the certificate to the duo at the state headquarters of the commission in Yenagoa.

Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu, said presenting the Certificate of Return by the commission was a statutory provision in fulfilment of section 72(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which also stated that the presentation must be done within 14 days following the declaration of a winner.

She thanked stakeholders for their commitment and contributions toward the peaceful conduct of the election and equally appreciated staff of the commission who displayed exceptional level of dedication to their job.

She also congratulated the governor and his deputy over their victory at the poll and wished them a successful second tenure in office.

Responding, Governor Diri said the event puts to rest the speculation that INEC would not present the certificate to him just as he commended the commission for its professionalism and impartiality during and after the election.

Diri said it was an historic moment for him, his deputy and Bayelsans, who he appreciated for standing behind him and his running mate, bearing in mind the antics of the opposition that brandished cooked results against their will.

He said it was unfortunate hearing the opposition, particularly the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, alleging that INEC cancelled 85,000 of the party’s vote as well as manipulation by the commission.

He stressed that his party would wait for them at the tribunal.

Diri said: “Presenting the certificate of return was almost becoming another issue as some were brandishing results of 85,000 votes in their pockets and saying that the certificate would not be issued to those declared winners in Bayelsa State. So, this event has brought to rest all those speculations that have been all over the country.

“After thanking God for today’s event, I also thank the Independent National Electoral Commission, from the chairman to the supervising commissioner to the REC and the administrative secretary as well as all the staff.

“This is one historic moment for me, my deputy governor and the people of Bayelsa State. I appreciate the electorate for standing behind what they believe was a government that has performed and must have another term.”

He assured the people of the state that he will be a servant-leader to the people as well as his deputy and other members of his cabinet.

He stated that if the election had gone the other way, it would have portended danger for the state, describing his victory as freedom for Bayelsa.

According to him, “Bayelsans know that we are a government of the people that wants all Bayelsans on board and also ensure transparency as much as possible, so that whatever we are spending, it is in the interest of Bayelsa State.“

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented certificates of return to the Governor-Elect of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, and his running mate in the election, Joel Salifu.

The certificates of return were presented at the INEC headquarters in Lokoja, the state capital on Friday, amid jubilation by a mammoth crowd of supporters.

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Speaking shortly after receiving his certificate, the Governor-Elect assured the people that he would make good his campaign promise to build on the sterling achievements of Governor Yahaya Bello, while preserving the unity of the state.

He expressed appreciation to the people of the State for the overwhelming support he enjoyed at the polls, describing it as a consolidation on the strength and unity of the Kogi State.

While promising to justify the confidence reposed in him, Ododo said, “My administration will be committed to sustaining the youth and women empowerment programs of the present administration. My resolve to provide employment for our teeming youths and ensure that education occupies the front burner of our administration remains unchanged.

“My victory at last Saturday’s election is a victory for all. We will run an all inclusive administration, where everyone, irrespective of tribe, religion and political affiliation, will be carried along.”

The presentation of the certificates of return was witnessed by Governor Yahaya Bello, who urged the people of the State to join hands with Ododo in building a greater Kogi State.

”The election has come and gone and a winner has emerged. I call on the people of the State to work towards the unity and togetherness our administration has achieved,” he said.

Presenting the Certificate, the Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC, Gabriel Longpet, said the presentation was part of the Commission’s mandate.

He said Usman Ododo was being presented the certificate, having met the constitutional requirements.