Former Appeal Court President Justice Isa Salami (retd) has stated that former Anambra State Governor Peter Obishould not have been allowed to contest the 2023 presidential elections under the Labour Party (LP) banner. Justice Salami made the remarks during a courtesy visit and award presentation by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Salami argued that Obi’s candidacy violated constitutional rules, noting that the LP had submitted its list of members to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before he joined the party. He added that similar issues occurred with the Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, regarding party registration and membership.
The retired jurist also criticized judicial competence, attributing some questionable verdicts to judges’ inexperience rather than dishonesty. He said some appointments to the bench have bypassed merit and seniority, affecting decision-making in critical cases, including the Supreme Court’s rulings.
Justice Salami praised the WSCIJ for the award and credited Prof. Wole Soyinka and the late Chief Obafemi Awolowoas influential figures in shaping his views on Nigeria’s governance and his decision to pursue law.
