The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that Tuesday’s Supreme Court judgement that sacked Governor Emeka Ihedioha did not reflect the wishes of the people of Imo State.
The party stated that the judgement was a “sad commentary” on the nation’s democratic order.
Recall that a seven-member panel of justices led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tanko Mohammed sacked Ihedioha, the candidate of PDP, and declared Sen. Hope Uzodinma, who contested on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner.
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who read the lead judgment, ordered that the Certificate of Return issued to Ihedioha be immediately withdrawn. She directed that a fresh Certificate of Return should be issued to Uzodinma.
But in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party said it could not understand the basis for the judgement.
The party said it was surprised that its candidate, who scored 276,404 votes could be sacked in favour of Uzodinma, who scored 96,458 votes and placed fourth in the March 9, 2019 polls.
“In fact, the PDP and indeed, most Nigerians are still at a loss as to understand the basis upon which the Supreme Court arrived at its decision.
“The party says it is lamentable that the destiny of the people of Imo state is being taken from the governor they chose and voted for and handed over to individuals and a political party that do not have their blessing and mandate and which they rejected at the election.
“The people of Imo state are now confronted with the challenge of having a government that they cannot identify with and which cannot connect with them, having not emanated from them.
“Moreover, all the gains, including the development and stability already achieved by the people-based government, under Governor Emeka Ihedioha/PDP administration in the state are now heavily jeopardized.
“Indeed, the mournful and despondent ambience that now pervades in Imo state is a loud testimony that the judgment did not reflect the expectation of the people of Imo state as expressed at the polls.
“While recognising that the judgment of the Supreme Court is final, the PDP however urges all party stakeholders in the state to remain united and calm, and await further instruction from the national leadership on this very sad development,” the statement further read.
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