Nasarawa Tribunal Verdict: PDP Concerned Over Gov Sule’s Late Appeal Filing

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nasarawa State has expressed displeasure over Governor Abdullahi Sule’s decision to file an appeal against his removal by the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal late on Sunday.

The tribunal had ruled in favour of David Ombugadu of the PDP, declaring him the winner of the Nasarawa State governorship election.

In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja by the director of Media and Publicity for the Ombugadu Campaign Organisation, Mike Omeri, the party said the  timing of Sule’s appeal is suspicious.

The statement said the late-night filing was intended to prevent Ombugadu from submitting a timely notice of cross-appeal as required by law.

It also raised suspicions that the late-night filing was intended to prevent Ombugadu from filing a timely notice of cross-appeal, as prescribed by law.

It maintained that the move is an effort to hinder the due process and fairness of the legal proceedings, which will further complicate an already contentious electoral dispute.

The campaign organisation stated the need for a fair and transparent legal process, free from any manipulative tactics that may undermine the democratic principles at play.

The statement reads in part: “The Ombugadu Campaign Organisation is deeply concerned by the recent actions of Governor AA Sule, who filed his appeal challenging the verdict of the Election Tribunal that sacked him from office at 10 pm on a Sunday night.

“This untimely and unusual filing appears to be a deliberate attempt to frustrate our candidate, Hon. David Ombugadu, who was declared the winner of the March 2023 governorship election in Nasarawa State by the tribunal. Clearly, the hidden motive was to prevent him from filing a notice of cross-appeal in a timely manner prescribed by law.

“The timing of governor Sule’s appeal filing raises questions about transparency, fair play, search for justice, and respect for due process.

“This further underscores the uncanny way through which they want to win at all costs, not minding the attendant chaos such might cause.

“Ombugadu has stated in several fora that his ambition is not worth the flow of blood of any common man, woman, or child as well as the destruction of properties.

“The late-night weekend timing also suggests a lack of willingness to engage in a fair and open legal determination of the matter in issue. We believe that justice should not only be done but should also be seen to be done for our people and our democracy.”

It further stressed that Ombugadu was fully committed to upholding the rule of law and due process.

“We call on all relevant authorities, including the judiciary, to ensure that the legal process is not manipulated or delayed for political purposes,” it added.