2027: No Legal Obstacles For Jolly Nyame But….

  

 

Legal analysts have clarified that former Governor of Taraba State, Reverend Jolly T. Nyame, faces no constitutional barrier to contesting for elective office ahead of the 2027 general elections, following the presidential pardon granted to him in 2022, even as sections of the public continue to oppose his potential return to active politics.

Nyame governed Taraba State from 1999 to 2007 and was convicted in 2018 by a Federal Capital Territory High Court on corruption-related charges. His conviction was upheld by both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court in 2020, leading to his imprisonment before he was granted a presidential pardon on April 14, 2022.

Under Section 66(1)(d) and Section 182 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), individuals convicted of offences involving dishonesty or fraud are disqualified from contesting elections within ten years of such conviction. Ordinarily, this provision would have barred Nyame from seeking office until 2028.

However, legal experts point to Section 175 of the Constitution, which empowers the President to grant a prerogative of mercy. According to established judicial authorities, including Falae v. Obasanjo, a full presidential pardon removes the legal disabilities arising from a conviction and restores the civil and political rights of the beneficiary.

Speaking on the matter, constitutional lawyer Barrister Denis Osaretin explained that a valid and unconditional presidential pardon effectively neutralizes the ten-year disqualification rule. "Once a full pardon is granted, the legal consequences of the conviction, including ineligibility for elective office, are extinguished," he said.

Osaretin added that, based on the law as it stands, Nyame is legally qualified to contest for a seat in the National Assembly, including the Senate, provided he meets other statutory requirements such as age, party nomination, and compliance with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.

Another legal practitioner, Barrister John Okieze, also weighed in on the matter, affirming that the presidential pardon granted to Nyame has far-reaching constitutional implications. According to him, "under Nigerian law, a full presidential pardon wipes away the civil and political disabilities arising from a criminal conviction. Once such a pardon is validly granted, the beneficiary is restored to his full rights, including the right to contest elections, unless the Constitution expressly provides otherwise."

Barr. Okieze stressed that while moral and political arguments may continue in the public space, they are distinct from the strict legal position. "Public sentiment or political opposition cannot override the clear provisions of the Constitution. Legally speaking, Reverend Jolly T. Nyame is eligible to contest for the Senate in 2027, subject only to meeting other constitutional requirements such as party nomination, age, and compliance with electoral laws," he stated.

Despite the legal position, Nyame's possible re-emergence on the political scene has sparked controversy, particularly among youth groups in Taraba State. A youth pressure group, Taraba Concerned Youth, has called on residents of Zing Local Government Area to reject any attempt to nominate former Taraba State Governor, Reverend Jolly Nyame, for the Senate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on behalf of the group, the youths expressed strong opposition to what they described as moves by some interests to present Nyame as a preferred senatorial candidate. They argued that leadership should be based on integrity, accountability, and a proven record of empowering the people, particularly young persons.

The group stated that Nyame's past conviction raises concerns about credibility and accountability, insisting that the youth of Zing deserve leadership that represents progress and clean public service rather than what they termed "political nostalgia."

The group further called on the youth of Zing to remain united and to reject any nomination that prioritises personal history over community development. They stressed the need for leadership that focuses on the future and delivers real benefits to the people.

"The youth of Zing have the power to shape their future," the statement read, urging young voters to support candidates who can guarantee development, opportunity, and progress for the next generation.

The Concerned Youths said they would continue to mobilise young people to actively participate in the political process ahead of the 2027 polls.