Sardaunan Badarawa Needless Distraction -By Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua

The Kaduna central PDP’s senatorial primary election conducted on 23 May 2022, which Lawal Adamu Usman was declared winner having polled 99 votes to defeat Usman Ibrahim who came distant second has come and gone. However, there has been a dust that has continued to trail the conduct of the primary which many people including the party returning officer, Dingyadi, adjudged as the free and fairest contest in the party and the state in general. Immediately after the result was declared and certificate issued to the winner (Lawal Adamu Usman), his opponent,Usman Ibrahim, filled a court case challenging the victory of Lawal Adamu Usman. The federal high court Kaduna, presiding over by Justice Umar Garba,nullified the primary in favour of sardaunan badarawa and ordered PDP to conduct a fresh primary election within 14 stipulate days. The party went ahead to conduct another purported primary within three days and declared Usman Ibrahim as the winner.

Lawal Adamu Usman who won the first primary filled a case in appeal court, Abuja. However, when the matter was brought before an Appellate Court, Justice Peter Affen in his judgement on Monday 19th December, held that the Kaduna High Court went outside of its boundaries to inquire into the internal affairs of the party. Hence, the case was set aside and Lawal Adamu Usman, declared the authentic candidate for the Kaduna Central Senatorial zone. With the appeal court ruling, one expects Usman Ibrahim to accept the judgement in good faith and rally his support to Lawal Adamu Usman the winner. This is not the case. I was latter learnt, he was preparing grounds for another appeal to supreme Court. Whether the statement is true or not, it does not concern me. What baffles PDP supporters and other admirers in Kaduna central is the needles distraction or confusion Sardaunan Badarawa is causing. After the appeal court ruling, like proverbial wounded lion, Usman Ibrahim, in many media chat or interview granted, still parade himself as the legitimate candidate of Kaduna central.

His actions did not only amount to needless distraction but also Court contempt punishable by laws. Unless there is another court ruling that sets aside the judgement delivered by Appellate Court, Lawal Adamu Usman, remains the only recognises and rightful candidate. Sardaunan Badarawa should for the interest of peace, stop parading himself as the authentic candidate. Instead, he should reach his lawyers to seek for legal interpretation and necessary advice. Ignorance of law is not an excuse, as the saying goes. If he fails to abide by the appeal court judgement, the long arms of law should visit him. Those who are close to him should call his attention on this glaring display of ignorance. The PDP stakeholders should prevail on Sardauna to sheath his sword and rally support for the victory of PDP in Kaduna central and the country at large.

Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua, Kaduna state 08169056963.