The Special Adviser to the Senate President, Dr. M.O. Ubani, has strongly denied claims by Senator Elisha Abbo that the Senate President influenced the Court of Appeal judgement that nullified his election.

Abbo had alleged that Godswill Akpabio engineered his removal from the Senate through the judiciary after he didn’t support Akpabio’s Senate presidency bid.

But in a detailed rebuttal, Ubani said Abbo’s allegations show his ignorance of the workings of Nigeria’s democracy, as the legislature does not interfere with court rulings.

He stated that Abbo’s opponent challenged the election tribunal decision upholding Abbo’s victory at the Court of Appeal. The appellate court properly interpreted the Electoral Act in sacking Abbo after scrutinizing admissible evidence.

The Senate President’s aide questioned the basis of Abbo’s claims, asking whether Akpabio was on the appeal panel or related to any judge. He said there’s no proof Akpabio influenced the judiciary against Abbo.

Ubani described the allegations as reckless, defamatory and childish. He said Abbo is guilty of contempt of court and impugning the Senate President’s integrity and the Appeal Court over unsubstantiated claims.

The special adviser demanded Abbo withdraw the allegations immediately and tender an apology to the Senate President and Appeal Court judges.

He warned the senator risks appropriate measures from both institutions in addressing the thoughtless comments lacking factual merit. Ubani reiterated that the legislature plays no role in court judgements in line with separation of powers.

Abbo’s stunning allegations after his contentious sack had amplified divisions within the ruling party. But the Senate President’s aide firmly dismissed any interference, underscoring the judiciary’s independence.

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