Why Court Stops Nyame’s Senatorial Bid

The Federal High Court sitting in Jalingo has barred former Taraba State governor, Jolly Nyame, from contesting in the 2027 general elections, effectively halting his anticipated senatorial bid.

The ruling followed a suit filed by Abuja-based legal practitioner, Barr. Badmus, who sought judicial interpretation of the legal effect of Nyame’s 2018 conviction and his 2022 presidential pardon granted by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Nyame, who governed Taraba State between 1999 and 2007, was convicted in May 2018 by an FCT High Court presided over by Justice Adebukola Banjoko. He was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment after being found guilty on 27 counts of criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of public funds.

Although he was granted a presidential pardon on April 14, 2022, alongside 158 others, the court held that the pardon did not wipe away the conviction itself.

In her judgment, Justice Mohammed ruled that while the presidential prerogative of mercy under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution removes punishment, it does not erase a criminal conviction unless explicitly stated.

She explained that constitutional provisions—particularly Sections 66(1)(d) and 182(1)(e)—disqualify any person convicted of offences involving dishonesty from contesting elections for a period of 10 years after conviction or release.

“The pardon exercised in 2022 addressed the sentence, not the conviction. Therefore, the constitutional disqualification still stands,” the court ruled.

Based on this interpretation, the court held that Nyame remains ineligible to contest any elective office until May 30, 2028—10 years after his conviction.

The court subsequently restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, and Nyame himself from taking any steps toward his nomination or participation in the 2027 elections in Taraba State.

Reacting to the judgment, Nyame’s legal team expressed disagreement, insisting that a presidential pardon should restore full civil rights. They indicated plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.

On his part, Barr. Badmus welcomed the decision, describing it as a clarification of the law and a step toward safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.

INEC’s Taraba office also confirmed it would comply with the court order pending any further judicial pronouncements.