On Thursday, the Supreme Court in Abuja confirmed Mohammed Omadefu, a member of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly representing Keana Constituency, as the All Progressives Party (APC) legitimate candidate for the Keana state seat in Saturday’s Governorship and House of Assembly elections.
Mr Mohammed Atose, an APC contender for the seat, filed an appeal disputing Omadefu’s nomination as the party’s flagbearer for the constituency, and Judge Ogunwumiju Helen issued the decision.
She ruled that Atose’s appeal lacked merit, affirming the Appeal Court’s decision and confirming Omadefu as the APC candidate for the constituency.
While reacting to the Supreme Court’s decision, Omadefu, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, dedicated his victory to God, the APC, and his constituents.
Omadefu, who was present in court, called the decision a victory for democracy.
“I want to thank God for my triumph,” he remarked. I’d also like to thank my APC party and constituents for their support.
“Today, the Supreme Court confirmed my candidacy for the Keana seat in the March 18th election.
“This triumph is a win for democracy and a win for all Keanas.”
Omadefu urged his opponent (Atose) and his followers to work together for his win and Gov. Abdullahi Sule’s success.
“I want to encourage my constituents to vote for me and His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule on March 18, 2023,” he stated.
If given another mandate, the legislator promised to continue providing high-quality and effective representation in the state legislature.
Mr Olabode Akindele, Attorney to Omadefu, and Musa Danladi, Counsel to the APC, both thanked the Supreme Court for a well-reasoned decision.
They also congratulated Omadefu on his court triumph.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on February 2, the Appeal Court sitting in Makurdi recognized Omadefu as the genuine APC candidate for the Keana seat.
Dissatisfied with the ruling of the Court of Appeal in favour of Omadefu, Atose filed an appeal in the Supreme Court, which was dismissed for lack of merit.