The Supreme Court, on Friday, nullified the victory of all the Zamfara State candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last general elections. The judgement affected the governorship, national and State assembly elections
The court ruled that the party did not conduct valid primaries as prescribed by law. Thus, the apex court awarded the electoral victories to the main challenger, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State.
Subsequently, residents of Gusau, the state capital, mostly youths, trooped to the streets bearing posters of the Peoples Democratic Party.
A cross section of the jubilant crowd described the Supreme Court’s verdict as a victory for the rule of law and that, it would stop other leaders who are thinking of imposing candidates on the people.
APC factional chairman in Zamfara State loyal to Senator Kabiru Marafa, Alhaji Sirajo Maikatako, described the verdict as a positive development for democracy in the country.
He said: “It is sad that the Supreme Court verdict gave victory to the party with the second highest votes, (but) we are happy because it is now obvious that the supremacy of party stands above imposition.”
A statement from the PDP governorship candidate campaign organisation signed by Umar Muhammad called on the people of the state to be law abiding in their celebrations.
According to the statement, “Today’s decision of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in Abuja is a great testimony that truth and patience will always excel.
“We at the Matawalle campaign organization wish to extend our gratitude to the Almighty Allah and the entire people of Zamfara State especially the PDP supporters for their patience and good conduct while the court judgment lasted.”