Senator Elisha Abbo Removed Following Court of Appeal Decision, Alleges Akpabio’s Involvement
Senator Elisha Abbo of Adamawa North Senatorial District has been ousted from his position following a decision by the Court of Appeal in Abuja.
The appellate court, in a ruling on Monday, invalidated Abbo’s election and declared Amos Yohanna of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the rightful winner of the February 25 senatorial election.
Yohanna’s petition at the tribunal had contested Abbo’s victory, asserting that Abbo did not secure the majority of lawful votes and that the election was marred by irregularities. These irregularities included false entries, alterations, and vote cancellations at various polling units.
The Court of Appeal, the final arbiter in senatorial election disputes, sided with Yohanna’s claims, resulting in Abbo’s removal from office.
Speaking to reporters at his residence in Abuja after receiving the news of his sacking, Abbo pointed accusing finger at Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Abbo alleged that Akpabio played a role in the unfavorable court judgment against him and revealed an alleged plot to remove five senators, including himself, through court rulings. He claimed that this move was in response to their opposition to Akpabio’s bid to become President of the 10th Senate, without disclosing the names of the other targeted senators.
Abbo contested the court’s decision, asserting his popularity and emphasizing that his margin of victory over the PDP candidate was substantial, with an 11,000-vote lead. He called for the judiciary to uphold its role as the last hope of the common man and urged political figures, including Bola Tinubu, to safeguard the principles of democracy.
Despite his removal, Abbo reassured his supporters, promising a return to the Senate in 2027.