A former governor of Ñasarawa State and senator representing the Southern senatorial district of the state, Umaru Tanko Al-makura, has given reasons why he withdrew his ongoing case before the National Assembly and State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal presently sitting in Lafia.

In a statement issued yesterday in Lafia, the former governor said he withdrew his case challenging the election of Hon. Mohammed Ogboshi Onawo because no sacrifice is too much for the stability of Nasarawa State and Nigeria at large.

The senator had earlier challenged the declaration of Onawo as winner of the National Assembly election for the Nasarawa South senatorial district during the last poll in the state, alleging irregularities in some wards especially in Lafia metropolis.

However, the senator shocked his supporters by announcing the withdrawal of his petition during a pre-hearings of the tribunal.

In a statement over the development, the senator hinged his action on patriotism and need to make the necessary sacrifices “in order for the state and country to move forward”.

He said politics is not a do-or-die affair and that there is every need 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 litigation come with lots of acrimony and some level of instability in governance, he decided to withdraw his case before the election petition tribunal, following pleas from revered traditional rulers and other leaders.

“After due consultation with stakeholders. I directed my lawyers to withdraw my petition against the candidate of the PDP. I am convinced that we have had enough distraction 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 live 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.

[Leadership]