Dr Ladan Salihu, a prominent member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and former Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, has expressed deep concern over the recent Supreme Court judgment affirming President Bola Tinubu’s electoral victory. Salihu stated that the ruling has relegated the Nigerian Constitution to a secondary position, which raises significant concerns about the country’s global standing. He highlighted the alarming implications of the judgment, emphasizing its potential to tarnish Nigeria’s reputation on the world stage.
During an interview with Arise TV, Salihu expressed disappointment with the judgment, stating that it could lead to Nigeria being placed on a global map of shame. He claimed that the Supreme Court had demoted the Nigerian Constitution to the background by giving preference to the Electoral Law. Salihu added that the Constitution was unambiguous in stating that any person who commits forgery is not entitled to run for political office.
Salihu was referring to the certificate that President Tinubu tendered to the Independent National Electoral Commission before the 2023 election, which the Chicago State University confirmed was not from its institution. The Supreme Court rejected attempts by the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to tender the evidence before its verdict, citing that fresh evidence cannot be admitted since it was done at the lower court. Atiku has announced that he will address a press conference on Monday regarding the apex court’s verdict.