Senator Umaru Al-Makura.
Cecilia Onah, Lafia
A former governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura has withdrawn his case from the ongoing election petition tribunal, challenging the victory of Hon. Mohammed Ogboshi Onawo, in the just concluded 2023 Nasarawa South senatorial election.
Al-Makura made the disclosure in a press statement issued to Journalists and obtained by our correspondent in Lafia on Saturday.
The former governor said he withdrew his case challenging the election of Onawo at the election petition tribunal sitting in Lafia, for the stability of Nasarawa State and Nigeria at large.
Senator Al-Makura who is representing Nasarawa South at the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly, added that as a patriotic citizen, he chose to make the necessary sacrifice in order for the state and country to move forward.
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According to the lawmaker, politics is not a do-or-die affair, adding that his intention was to renew the peoples hope for a better future.
“A lot has happened in the last few months from the beginning of the campaign towards the 2023 elections. This has resulted in unforseen happenings that is alien to our polity. We must therefore think out of the box to arrest the ugly trend.
“Usually, where the outcome of election has shown certain violations of the law, it is normal to seek redress in the tribunals.
However, our situation today calls for a more pragmatic approach and consolidation of the stability that is gradually returning to our state,” Al-Makura stated.
While noting that litigations come with a lot of acrimony and some level of instability in governance, Al-Makura said he decided to withdraw his case before the election petition tribunal, following pleas from revered traditional rulers and other leaders.
“After due consultations with stakeholders, I directed my lawyers to withdraw my petition against the candidate of the PDP. I am convinced that we have had enough distractions and time is of the essence in governance,” he added.
Senator Al-Makura used the opportunity to express his deep appreciation to all his supporters, friends, family and citizens of Nasarawa South, as well as the entire state who stood firm throughout the struggle.
“I cannot thank you enough. I call on all the people of Nasarawa State to continue to leave peacefully and harmoniously together and we should play politics without bitterness as our destiny as a people is irrevocably bound together,” the immediate past governor said.
