The recent decision of the former Governor of Nasarawa State, Tanko Al-Makura, to withdraw his case from the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal has left many political pundits in the state curious. This move came as a surprise to many, as the tribunal was expected to commence proceedings soon.
The former Governor, who served from 2011 to 2019, filed a petition against the member representing Nasarawa South Senatorial District, Umaru Al-Makura, who contested under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This was after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared him the winner of the February 23, 2019, senatorial election.
The reasons for Al-Makura’s withdrawal are still unclear, but some speculate that it could be due to a possible reconciliation between the former Governor and the ruling party. This has led to speculations that the APC may have negotiated a ‘political truce’ with him, which could lead to him re-joining the party he left to contest under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the 2019 general elections.
However, some political analysts have argued that the withdrawal of the case may also be due to the lack of evidence to support the former Governor’s claims against the APC candidate. They assert that the evidence presented may not have been strong enough to withstand legal scrutiny in court, which could ultimately lead to his defeat and an outright dismissal of the case.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding this action, many have commended Al-Makura for his decision to withdraw the case. They believe that this action is a step in the right direction towards promoting peace and unity in the state and fostering good relations between political parties.
As the political atmosphere continues to heat up in the state, Al-Makura’s decision to withdraw his case at the tribunal has opened a new chapter in the State’s political history. While some may argue that this move depicts political maneuvering, the people of Nasarawa State remain optimistic that it will ultimately lead to a better and more peaceful state.
