The recent sacking of Senator Elisha Abbo from the Senate has stirred controversy and allegations within the Nigerian political landscape. Abbo had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of being behind his removal, claiming that he and four other senators were targeted for their opposition to Akpabio’s Senate presidency bid. However, Akpabio’s media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, vehemently denied these allegations, emphasizing that court judgments are based on the Electoral Act and evidence presented by petitioners, with no room for witch-hunting colleagues.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja nullified Abbo’s election as a Senator, following a legal battle initiated by his opponent, Amos Yohanna of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The court ruled that there was a lack of compliance with the Electoral Act and, after deducting invalid votes, declared Yohanna and the PDP as the winners. This judgment has led to an order for INEC to issue a Certificate of Return to Yohanna as the duly elected senator for the senatorial district.
The controversy surrounding Abbo’s removal and the political implications it may have on the Nigerian Senate remain to be seen, as allegations and denials continue to make headlines in the country’s political discourse.
