Appeal Court Judge Insists on the Removal of All PDP Candidates for the 2023 Elections in Plateau State

Justice Abdulaziz Waziri of the Court of Appeal has reiterated that the candidacies of all Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) representatives in the 2023 Plateau State elections are deemed null and void. Speaking at the 2023 Law Week in Yola, the judge defended the appellate court’s decision to invalidate the election of PDP legislators at both state and national levels, emphasizing the party’s lack of structure when presenting its candidates.

Responding to widespread criticism, Justice Waziri clarified that the case against the PDP in Plateau State was not a pre-election matter, contrary to popular belief. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and many Nigerians have strongly criticized the Court of Appeal’s decision, which favored the All Progressives Congress (APC) contestants over the PDP legislators.

While Justice Waziri refrained from directly commenting on the status of Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, whose appeal is before the Supreme Court, he explained the legal perspective on the matter. Highlighting the disobedience of a court order by the PDP and the absence of a party structure, he emphasized that any candidate fielded by the party had no legal standing. Consequently, all elected PDP members were directed to vacate their positions, making way for either Labour Party or APC representatives, depending on the ranking.

However, Justice Waziri maintained silence on the gubernatorial election, citing its sub judice status before the Supreme Court. The judge’s remarks came during a crucial moment in the legal discourse, shedding light on the intricacies surrounding the nullification of PDP candidates in Plateau State.