By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
A political pressure group known as the Obidient Movement has picked holes in a recent comment credited to retired justice Isa Salami claiming that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election Peter Obi was not qualified to contest the election after all.
The former Appeal Court President on Tuesday in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, during a courtesy visit and presentation of an award to him by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, said that ex-Anambra state governor (Obi) ought not to be allowed to contest the 2023 presidential elections under the banner of the Labour Party.
He erroneously alleged that Obi should not have been allowed to contest under Labour Party in 2023 “in the sense that by the time he lost the PDP primary, LP had submitted its list of members to the Independent National Electoral Commission.”
Said he: “How did he become a candidate of LP if he does not belong to LP? The same thing happened to the Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, who had now defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). His name is not in the NNPP’s register, but they issued him a membership card, and the register is supposed to be the mother of the card.”
But the Obidient Movement have poured cold water on the comments of the retired justice, saying that he got his facts wrong because the highest court in the land (the Supreme Court) has already settled all matters regarding Obi’s candidacy and his membership of the Labour Party.
The Obidient Movement in a statement signed by Spokesman, Dr. Yunusa Tanko titled:
OBIDIENT MOVEMENT RESPONSE TO JUSTICE SALAMI’S RECENT COMMENTS ON PETER OBI, said the issue of Obi’s qualification was thoroughly litigated, and the courts did not disqualify him on the grounds of party membership.
The statement read:
“Fellow Obidients,
We have seen the recent comments credited to retired Justice Isa Salami claiming that our principal, His Excellency Peter Obi, was “unqualified” to contest the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party.
As a movement built on truth, justice, and the rule of law, we must set the records straight and not allow this narrative to mislead the public.
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THE FACTS OF THE MATTER:
- The Supreme Court Has Ruled: The highest court in the land has already settled all matters regarding Peter Obi’s candidacy and his membership in the Labour Party. The issue of his qualification was thoroughly litigated, and the courts did not disqualify him on the grounds of party membership.
- Internal Party Affairs: It is a well-established legal principle in Nigeria that the membership of a political party is strictly an internal affair of that party. The Labour Party accepted Peter Obi, granted him a waiver, and submitted his name to INEC. No external body or individual has the locus standi to dictate who a party registers as its member.
- The Timing of the Comments: It is curious that these comments are being made now, long after the elections have concluded and the judicial processes have been exhausted. We must ask: what is the motive behind trying to rewrite history and cast doubt on a candidacy that inspired millions of Nigerians?
- Focus on the Real Issues: Justice Salami himself highlighted the “inadequacy and incompetence” of some judges and the “tragedy” of the current judicial system. Instead of focusing on a settled matter regarding Peter Obi, the focus should be on reforming the judiciary to ensure that justice is served to the Nigerian people, a core pillar of the New Nigeria we are fighting for.
- Getting the Facts Right: Peter Obi never partook in the PDP primaries. It is unfortunate that the judge did not get his facts right before going to the press.
- A Track Record of Integrity: We are talking about an individual who built private businesses successfully, with no criminal record against him. As governor, he left 75 billion Naira in the coffers of the Anambra State Government. He has no forgery or drug-related issues associated with him. Yet, the judge preferred to celebrate criminality over credibility. This is the level to which Nigeria has descendes.Very sad indeed!
OUR STAND:
Peter Obi remains the symbol of hope for a New Nigeria. His candidacy in 2023 was valid, legitimate, and overwhelmingly supported by millions of Nigerians who are tired of the status quo.
We will not be distracted by retrospective opinions that hold no legal weight. Our eyes remain on the prize: building a nation where competence, character, and capacity lead the way.
Let us continue to stay focused, peaceful, and resolute.
A New Nigeria is still POssible!
