Every democratic mandate carries with it not only the honour of victory but also the constitutional responsibility of defending that victory whenever it is challenged before a court of competent jurisdiction.
These photographs tell that constitutional story.
The first captures Distinguished Senator Sunday Steve Karimi (DSSK) arriving at the court with composure and confidence, accompanied by his legal team. There is no political theatre, no media spectacle, only a citizen and public servant demonstrating respect for the judicial process established by the Constitution.
The second portrays the Senator personally reviewing and signing legal documents. It reflects a leader who understands that democratic mandates are not defended through political rhetoric or public controversy, but through lawful institutions and due process.
The third, featuring the enduring symbol of Lady Justice, reminds every Nigerian that election disputes are determined not by political narratives or media campaigns, but by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, applicable party rules, and credible evidence placed before a court of competent jurisdiction.
Distinguished Senator Sunday Steve Karimi was officially declared winner of the All Progressives Congress APC Kogi West Senatorial Primary after polling 51,665 votes, a decisive mandate announced by the Returning Officer following the conduct of the party’s primary election. Following the party’s internal review mechanism, the APC affirmed his nomination and duly forwarded his name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as its candidate for the 2027 National Assembly election.
That declared nomination has now become the subject of a pre-election action before the Federal High Court.
It is important to appreciate the constitutional character of these proceedings.
Distinguished Senator Sunday Karimi is not before the court to obtain a mandate. That mandate had already been conferred through the APC primary election and officially declared by the party. His appearance before the court is in defence of that declared mandate in accordance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
The law recognises the validity of an officially declared nomination unless and until a court of competent jurisdiction determines otherwise. That presumption exists to preserve certainty, stability and confidence in the democratic process while allowing every aggrieved aspirant the constitutional right to seek judicial redress.
Equally settled is the principle that every allegation must be established by credible and admissible evidence. Election petitions and pre-election matters are determined on pleadings, documentary evidence, oral testimony where required, applicable statutory provisions and binding judicial authorities, not on political commentary, speculation or public sentiment.
The superior courts of Nigeria have consistently reaffirmed these principles. Electoral disputes are resolved through the disciplined application of the law to the facts established before the court. That remains the enduring strength of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
It is therefore significant that Distinguished Senator Sunday Steve Karimi has chosen the constitutional path. Rather than litigating in the media or engaging in public confrontation, he has submitted himself to the judicial process, reaffirming his confidence in the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.
The issues raised by the claimant now fall exclusively within the constitutional jurisdiction of the court. The court will examine the pleadings, evaluate the evidence, interpret the relevant provisions of the Constitution, the Electoral Act and the APC Constitution and Guidelines, hear the submissions of counsel and pronounce judgment according to law.
As the proceedings continue, public discourse should remain anchored in the official court record. Every significant stage of the litigation should be accurately communicated so that facts, rather than speculation or misinformation, shape public understanding of the case.
The judiciary remains the constitutional guardian of electoral justice.
The parties have submitted themselves to that constitutional process.
The court will determine the issues according to law.
That is how democratic mandates are protected.
That is how constitutional democracy is preserved.
That is how the rule of law endures.
– Yusuf M.A.
For: Kogi Equity Alliance
Justice for One, Stability for All.
