By Pwanagba Agabus, Jos
The Northern Initiative for Peace and Economic Development on Tuesday appealed to the judiciary to respect the popular mandate of the citizens of Kano, Plateau and Zamfara States in relation to the recent governorship judgements of the Court of Appeal that went against candidates earlier declared winners.
The group at a press conference through, its National Coordinator, Abel Jilemsam, in Jos the Plateau State capital, also urged all parties involved to prioritise the greater good of the people and respect the outcome of the polls.
According to the group: “The recent governorship elections held on March 18, 2023, in Kano, Plateau, and Zamfara have demonstrated the collective will of the people in shaping the future of their states.
“The popular mandate expressed through the electoral process must be respected to ensure the continued sustenance of democratic values in Nigeria.
“We recognise the importance of a fair and impartial judiciary in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding democratic principles.
“The judiciary plays a critical role in ensuring justice, protecting citizens’ rights, and preserving the credibility of the electoral process.
“Any actions that compromise these principles undermine the very foundation of any democratic nation.
“Without a functioning judiciary, there is a risk of constitutional violations going unchecked, leading to the erosion of citizens’ rights and freedoms”, they maintained.
“The fairness and transparency of the judicial system are vital for fostering public trust, confidence, and belief in the democratic process.
“It is imperative to emphasize that any attempt to manipulate or subvert the will of the people using judicial tools, particularly by the ruling APC, will not be accepted.
“The foundation of a robust democracy lies in the integrity of the electoral system and the adherence to fair and transparent processes”, the group explained.
“The citizens of Kano, Plateau, and Zamfara have exercised their democratic rights, and their voices must be heard and honoured.
“Attempts to undermine the sanctity of these elections not only jeopardize the democratic principles that Nigeria upholds but also erode public trust in the electoral process.
“We call upon all stakeholders, including the electoral authorities and the judiciary, to ensure a thorough and unbiased judgement as we head to supreme court for disputes arising from the ruling of appeal judgments.
“It is crucial that the legal processes be transparent, just, and free from any undue influence to preserve the democratic foundation on which our nation stands.
“In the spirit of unity and progress, we urge all parties involved to prioritise the greater good of the people and respect the outcome of the elections.
“Upholding the popular mandate is paramount for the sustained growth and development of our democratic values in Nigeria.
“The peace and stability of Kano, Plateau and Zamfara are integral to the overall well-being of Nigeria.”
