NDC deregistration: Peter Obi once benefitted from judicial decisions — Gov Sani
Kaduna Governor Urges Restraint in Political Reactions to Judicial Decisions
Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani has called on politicians to avoid politicizing judicial rulings, emphasizing that past decisions have benefited various political figures, including Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
In an exclusive interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Sani addressed concerns regarding a Federal High Court ruling impacting the registration of the NDC. He underscored the importance of maintaining public confidence in the judiciary as vital to the sustenance of Nigeria’s democratic framework.
Sani criticized the tendency among politicians to support judicial outcomes when they favor their interests while condemning the courts when rulings do not. “For those of us who believe in democracy and the rule of law, we must be cautious. Politicizing every judicial issue is detrimental,” he stated.
Recalling Obi’s political journey, Sani noted that the former governor of Anambra State had previously gained office through a significant judicial ruling. “Many political actors have benefitted from judicial decisions. Peter Obi himself secured his mandate through a crucial judicial pronouncement when he was governor,” he remarked.
He observed a recurring pattern, noting that politicians tend to view the judiciary favorably when rulings align with their desires and negatively when they do not. “When it favors them, they see it as the best institution. When it goes against them, they view it harshly,” he said.
While acknowledging imperfections within any judicial system, Sani insisted that advocates of democracy should maintain faith in the courts and related institutions. “If you believe in democracy, you must trust the system. While our judiciary is not perfect—nor is any worldwide—we must have confidence in it,” he added.
Sani also refuted claims that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or President Bola Tinubu’s administration is responsible for the internal strife faced by opposition parties. “Where is the evidence that the ruling party is involved? The issues stem from their lack of organization and their tendency to switch parties in search of platforms for elections,” he stated.
According to the governor, the challenges within opposition parties are primarily due to conflicting ambitions for presidential nominations and power-sharing disputes, rather than any external manipulation. He argued that parties formed solely for election purposes, without a shared ideological foundation, are likely to encounter ongoing difficulties in unity.