More battle for Rev. Alia, APC as aggrieved contestant heads to Supreme Court

The challenge ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State appears to be taking a new twist, this is as Professor Terhemba Shija, an aggrieved governorship aspirant has headed to the Supreme Court despite securing a judicial pronouncement ordering the APC to conduct fresh governorship primaries in 11 Local Government Areas of the State.

Prof. Shija, in a statement issued by the Director-General of his campaign organization, Dr. James Mbachiantim, noted that, the verdict of the court falls short of his expectation and after wide consultation with critical stakeholders and his legal team they have resolved to head to supreme court. He however, commended the courage of the justices that adjudicated on the matter.

Prof. Shija observed that the judgement by the Court of Appeal “threw up certain legal issues that can only be resolved by the highest court in the land.”

Justice Muhammed Danladi had on Tuesday after considering Prof. Shija’s evidences and argument ordered the APC to conduct fresh primaries in 11 out of the 23 Local Government Areas in Benue State. He said the court on one hand, agrees with the APC on the rerun governorship primaries of June 9, 2022, which took place in 12 LGAs of the state, saying it was very valid and still stands. On the other hand, its disagrees with the May 27, 2022, primaries, saying they aren’t valid. Hence, there ordering of fresh primaries in the 11 local government Areas within 14 days, which must be recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

While calling on members of the APC and the Benue electorates to remain calm, Shija stressed that the privilege of leadership granted a few like him is to promote integrity in the political system. He said, he carrys the “burden to strengthen democracy so that it can attract the best and offer opportunities for the youths and credible people to invest in it.”

The seasoned academic said, “there is no doubt that if allowed to thrive, beneficiaries of impunity today will surely be its victims tomorrow hence it has become necessary that enduring democracy thrives in a trajectory that transcends the current participants on the scene.”

He said he has the cognate experience, both political and academic to deliver on the mandate.

Prof. Shija and alongside for Minister of Justicel and Attorney of the Federation, Mike Aondoakaa and Senator Barnabas Gemade all lost out to Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia at the nullified APC governorship primaries.