From Daniel Abel Lafia
The Appeal Court sitting in Abuja has fixed Thursday, November 23, 2023, for judgment in the Nasarawa State governorship election between Abdullahi Sule of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and David Emmanuel Ombugadu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to the notice, the judgement will be delivered by 9 am, even as all political parties are allowed to come with only ten supporters.
It would be recalled that the court had on November 15, 2023, reserved judgment in the appeal by Governor Sule who is challenging his removal by the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.
According to available information, only ten political persons from each of the parties would be allowed into the premises of the appeal court.
Meanwhile, the opposition PDP has warned it supporters against responding to instigating and provocative statements capable of undermining the peace of the state.
“We would like to issue a strong caution to all PDP members and supporters of Hon. David Emmanuel Ombugadu to refrain from joining issues or responding to any plans of violence or unnecessary desperation in anticipation of the outcome of the appeal court ruling on the gubernatorial appeal judgement in Abuja”.
“Since the tribunal declared Dr. David Emmanuel Ombugadu, winner of the March 18 governorship election in Nasarawa state, the PDP has decided to patiently and prayerfully await the outcome of whatever democratic steps our opponents will follow.
The party which commended it’s supporters and other residents of the state for standing by the party expressed the hope that the God who saw them though at the tribunal will not fail the party at the appeal.
“We wish to commend our party faithfuls and all our supporters for maintaining a calm and prayerful disposition during all these crucial periods of election litigation at the tribunal and now the appeal court so far. “In this regard, we advise our members to set their sights on a successful process that would eventually reaffirm the victory of Dr. David Emmanuel Ombugadu for the third time.
According to the statement signed by the publicity secretary of the party, Mallam Ibrahim Hamza, “While Our legal team has thoroughly examined the facts involved in the tribunal judgement and is confident that the appeal court panel will decide the case on merit and reality of the facts before it, we firmly believe in the credibility and fairness of our legal system, and we are optimistic that justice will prevail once again.
“In light of this, we appeal to all PDP supporters and supporters of Dr. David Emmanuel Ombugadu to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding as we await the announcement of the date for the appeal court judgement, which has now been fixed for Thursday the 23rd, 2023.
“We understand the passion and fervour of our supporters, but it is essential to approach this matter in a disciplined and responsible way. After all, winners are not violent, and they only celebrate peacefully.
Therefore, once again, we caution against engaging in any form of violence or acts of desperation as is currently being exhibited by the other side as such behaviour is not in the character of the Nasarawa State PDP family. Instead, let us continue to show our unwavering support for the PDP and Dr. David Emmanuel Ombugadu, through peaceful and prayerful means, and extend love and friendship to our fellow contestants.