Supreme Court Verdict In Zamfara: Why The PDP Shouldn’t Rejoice Yet

 

The nation and the good people of Zamfara state were thrown into a mood of jubilation because of the unexpected Supreme Court judgement, in favour of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on 24th May 2019.

The massive and colossal outburst of Joy that greeted Gusau the state capital shows how expectant the PDP faithful were before the almighty pronouncement in its favour by the apex court accordingly. This judgement is consequential in nature. The effect of it will remain sporadical in the days ahead. It will cost the PDP other pending supposed victories in the court.

While the PDP was in an exciting mood, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) issued a press statement, claiming to have embarked on a crucial meeting, and that they will brief the nation the outcome of their deliberation in due cause. To me, this is an administrative rascality and a display of absolute ignorance by this body. Why are they contemplating over a judgement that emanates from the nation’s zenith and top court? This is laughable.

WHY THE PDP SHOULD NOT CELEBRATE YET

I am finding it very difficult to congratulate the PDP over its victory today in Zamfara. The main concern is the pending cases in court that have to do with Osun and the presidential election in which the parties are key contenders.

Certainly, the APC has given the PDP its share of the tribunal judgements already. Until proven otherwise, I can’t see the PDP coming out strong in the two pending cases. 

I don’t think that the APC will allow more verdict in favour of the opposition party because it needs to celebrate too like the PDP is doing today.

ZAMFARA: One school of thought has it that, the APC calculation was simple. They distorted the court proceedings in Zamfara in their favour, so they can garner votes for their presidential candidate in the state. If they have allowed the PDP to be in charge before the presidential election without them having a candidate. They PDP would have had a huge advantage in the state over them. To them, the presidential election matter most, and the victory they recorded for their candidate is the deal. It is a done deal and mission accomplished anyway.

OSUN Gate: The PDP and the APC have won the case 1/1. The last battle is at the Supreme Court. Conspiracy theory has it that, the PDP have taken Zamfara and the APC will take Osun at the Supreme Court too. That will be 1/1 (Zamfara for PDP and Osun for APC) supremely put. There is no visible possibility of the Supreme Court giving PDP both states on its desk. If you know the meaning of Justice, you will appreciate this Political forecasting. That is why I  say the PDP should not celebrate yet, because the battle is just starting.

ATIKU VERSUS BUHARI (PRESIDENCY): It is clear that the PDP seems to be having an edge over the APC in the court. The court has already commenced hearing on the case. Matters are really arising. With the Supreme Court verdict in favour of the PDP. I don’t see Atiku the PDP candidate winning Buhari, the APC candidate at the supreme level of judgement.

It is clear that this is a judicial bait and a Greek gift given to the PDP to pacify it. A judgement coming in favour of the opposition barely five (5) days to a new tenure is worthy of suspension and questioning indeed. Why now? This should be the question on the minds of many critical thinkers, thought leaders and opinion leaders alike.

While you tend to doubt this preponderance analysis. Time shall tell. Except a miracle happens, the PDP has taken or gotten it to share of the cake already. The APC shall thirst the supreme cake at Osun and Aso Rock.

It is good to note that, what you refer as Justice to Mr A is certainly Injustice to Mr B. This is what I may call balance of judgement or supreme generosity.

With the reaction of INEC, it shows that Justice to opposition party is seen as strange. That is why the PDP must brace up to face the judgements ahead. The party must put its house in other to face difficult times ahead.

Saying congratulations to the party now may not be necessary. I want senator Adeleke to prepare ahead for 2023. In a leaked tape lately. The APC national chairman Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was caught dishing out the details of their strategy to win Osun case at the apex court. If his assertions are true. Then the PDP must forget the two judgements. 

In Africa, Justice is not given, Justice is shared. I am not doubting the possibility of the Supreme Court standing for Justice, but that will be certainly difficult and almost impossible. Verdict in favour of the PDP is Justice and when the APC will get its own supreme judgements, it should also be seen as Justice as well. This is politics and politics is everything. The judgement I favour of the PDP is pure politics and the ones that will come to the APC will not be in politics too.

Until the presidential and Osun governorship elections verdicts are announced, fingers crossed. Hopes alive. Thinking and calculations on. This is Africa. We are in Nigeria. Power is not just sweet, it intoxicates. 

Written by

Rwang Patrick Stephen

Department of Political Science,

Federal University of Kashere Gombe