Ex-Senator Accuses Judiciary Of Election Manipulation: A Call For Reform

Scope 01 Apr 2025

Former Senator Elijah Ishaku Abbo Speaks Out on Alleged Judicial Misconduct

Naija News brings you the latest update as Elijah Ishaku Abbo, the former lawmaker representing Adamawa North in the Senate, has come forward with explosive accusations. Abbo claims that the judiciary tampered with the 2023 election results, effectively stealing his senatorial seat. This story has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, and it’s a tale that demands attention.

Let’s rewind to October 16, 2023, when the Court of Appeal in Abuja made a ruling that left many scratching their heads. The court nullified Abbo’s election victory and declared Amos Yohanna of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the rightful winner of the senatorial election held on February 25, 2023, in Adamawa North. This decision has sparked a heated debate about the integrity of the judiciary and its role in safeguarding democratic principles.

Abbo Blames Judicial Pressure for His Loss

In a candid interview aired on Arise Television’s PrimeTime show on Wednesday night, April 2, 2025, Abbo opened up about what he described as “judicial banditry.” He passionately argued that his loss in the 10th Senate was not due to a fair judicial process but rather a result of undue pressure placed on the presiding judge. According to Abbo, the judge was manipulated into making a ruling against him, which he believes compromised the entire judicial system.

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What adds fuel to the fire is Abbo’s claim that the judge sent a high-ranking figure, former Senate President Ken Nnamani, to his house to plead for leniency over the judgment. This revelation paints a picture of a judiciary riddled with irregularities and a lack of accountability. Abbo expressed his frustration, stating, “I lost my senatorial seat through judicial banditry because there is no law that backs what happened. I believe the judge knows what she did, and that is why she had to send Ken Nnamani to my house to come and beg me. And it’s true, Ken Nnamani is still alive.”

Abbo Calls for the Dissolution of the NJC

Abbo’s dissatisfaction with the judiciary extends beyond the individual judge’s decision. He strongly advocates for the dissolution of the National Judicial Council (NJC), arguing that it has failed in its duty to uphold justice. In his words, “Of course, she was pressured, and I have stated it time and time again. Unfortunately, I petitioned the NJC, but the NJC has become a body that only punishes small judges—Magistrates and High Court Judges—but cannot punish big Judges. They should dismantle the NJC, they are doing nothing.”

Abbo suggests that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) should take over the responsibility of disciplining judges. He envisions a system where the NBA can pass a vote of no confidence on erring judges, thereby ensuring accountability and transparency within the judiciary. This proposal reflects his deep concern for the integrity of the judicial system and his desire for meaningful reform.

The Court’s Controversial Decision: Canceling Elections Without a Rerun

Abbo is not only critical of the judge’s alleged bias but also of the court’s overall decision-making process. He points out that the court canceled election results in two out of five local government areas in Adamawa North without ordering a rerun. This move, according to Abbo, disenfranchised 263 polling units and violated established legal procedures.

He passionately argues, “A situation where a judge said that an election that took place in five local governments, and she cancelled the election in two local governments, disenfranchised two local governments, 263 polling units, and did not order a re-election as the law stipulates—that is not the law, that is robbery, that is a coup against democracy.” This statement underscores his belief that the court’s decision was not only unjust but also a direct threat to the democratic process.

As the nation grapples with these allegations, one thing is clear: the call for reform within the judiciary is louder than ever. Abbo’s story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and fairness in our judicial system. It’s a conversation that needs to continue, and it’s one that we all need to be a part of.