Abbo’s Accusations Against Senate President
Elisha Abbo, the lawmaker representing Adamawa North Senatorial District, has made a startling accusation. He alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio was responsible for his removal from office.
This claim comes in the wake of the Court of Appeal’s decision to void Abbo’s election, a move that has raised eyebrows in the political sphere.
Election Nullification and Legal Battle
The Court of Appeal in Abuja recently nullified Elisha Abbo’s election as the Senator for Adamawa North. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had initially declared Abbo the winner of the February 25, 2023 parliamentary election
. However, his rival, Amos Yohanna of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), contested the result and took the matter to court.
Court’s Verdict and Legal Justification
The tribunal initially dismissed Yohanna’s petition, but his counsel, Johnson Usman (SAN), approached the Appeal Court.
After evaluating the evidence and arguments presented by both parties, the Court of Appeal determined that there was no compliance with the Electoral Act, as stipulated in Section 137 of the Electoral Act, 2022.
Consequently, the court declared Yohanna and the PDP the victors based on a majority of lawful votes and ordered INEC to issue a Certificate of Return to Yohanna.
Abbo’s Claims of Targeted Removal
Elisha Abbo, in response to the court’s judgment, asserted that he and four other senators, all within the All Progressives Congress (APC), are being targeted for removal from the Senate through court rulings.
These senators had reportedly worked against the emergence of Akpabio as the President of the 10th Senate.
The Next Target: Senator Orji Uzor Kalu
Abbo explicitly mentioned Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, as the next target for removal from the Senate.
The political climate is tense, with allegations of political vendettas and power struggles looming over the proceedings.
Abbo’s Puzzlement and Appeal to Supporters
Elisha Abbo expressed his bewilderment over the court’s decision, given his substantial margin of victory in the election.
He had won with over 11,000 votes more than his closest rival, Yohanna Amos Yohanna of the PDP. Abbo called the court judgment “strange” and appealed to his supporters to remain calm.
He also pledged to recontest in 2027, indicating his determination to continue his political journey despite the setbacks.
Calling for Judicial Integrity
In the midst of these political upheavals, Abbo emphasized the importance of the judiciary remaining the last hope of the common man.
The situation highlights the interplay of political dynamics and the judiciary’s role in upholding democratic processes.