The Federal High Court in Jalingo, Taraba State capital, has delivered a landmark judgment barring former Governor Reverend Jolly Nyame from contesting in the 2027 general elections. The court ruled that Nyame lacks the constitutional eligibility to run for any political office.
Court Ruling on Nyame's Eligibility
Justice Mashkur Salisu presided over the case, which was initiated by the Incorporated Trustees of the Taraba Progress Front. The plaintiffs challenged Nyame's eligibility in suit number FHC/JAL/CS/6/2026. The court determined that Nyame was not granted a full presidential pardon but rather a clemency on health grounds in 2022.
Legal Basis for Disqualification
The judge cited Section 182(1)(e) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 85 of the Electoral Act 2022. According to the ruling, the clemency did not automatically restore Nyame's political rights. The disqualification period stipulated by the constitution has not yet elapsed.
Justice Salisu clarified that any person convicted for an offense involving fraud or dishonesty remains disqualified from participating in elections for the period prescribed by law. The motion for interpretation was filed by Barrister Badmus, an Abuja-based lawyer seeking clarification on the legal implications of Nyame's conviction and the clemency granted by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Background of the Case
Nyame served as governor of Taraba State from 1999 to 2007. He was convicted in 2018 for corruption and sentenced to 14 years in prison. In 2022, he was granted clemency on health grounds, but the court has now ruled that this does not erase the constitutional disability to contest elections.
The Incorporated Trustees of the Taraba Progress Front argued that Nyame's conviction disqualifies him from holding public office. The court agreed, emphasizing that the clemency does not override constitutional provisions regarding electoral participation.
This ruling has significant implications for Nyame's political ambitions and sets a precedent for similar cases involving convicted politicians seeking to return to office after clemency.
