Ahead of the 2027 poll, there is no iota of truth that the Nasarawa State Accountant General, Musa Ahmed Mohammed, is already jostling for the governorship seat of the state.
The Nasarawa Unity Frontier, led by Mr. Abimiku Elisha, on Monday faulted calls for his resignation, arguing that they are rooted in a flawed understanding of the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022.
According to the group, there is no public record or private declaration from Mohammed, who holds the traditional title of Baraden Nasarawa, indicating any intent to contest elective office.
They maintained that he remains focused on his duties and loyalty to the administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule.
The group warned against dragging technocrats into political controversies, insisting that the former speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly has continued to discharge his responsibilities with professionalism and neutrality. They described the allegations as speculative and lacking in substance.
The group was reacting to a press conference organised by the Nasarawa State Transparency, Accountability and Good Governance Group (NS-TA&G2), which had urged Barade to step down over alleged political ambitions.
NS-TA&G2 had cited Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act 2022 to support its claim. Still, the Unity Frontier argued that the section applies only to appointees who seek election or nomination, not to those merely associated with political figures or conversations.
The Unity Frontier referenced the 2003 Supreme Court case, INEC v. Balarabe Musa & Others, which held that civil servants and public officers cannot be denied their constitutional right to associate freely, including their right to engage in political association, unless such association disrupts their official functions.
The group further pointed to a circular issued by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation on May 5, 2022, which reaffirmed the constitutional right of civil servants to participate in politics, subject to compliance with public service rules.
The group argued that normal interactions with colleagues or associates cannot be equated with political manoeuvring or misconduct in office.
They said targeting Barade for his appointment is, by extension, a direct affront to Governor Sule, who made the appointment based on competence and proven integrity.
Noting that speculating about Mohammed’s ambition and accusing him of violating political ethics is both premature and unfounded, the group argued that no provision of the Constitution forbids citizens from encouraging or persuading individuals to contest elections.
It noted: ” The democratic framework allows the electorate to freely express their preferences, including urging capable individuals to seek public office. However, the final decision rests solely with the individual concerned.
In the case of Barade, while there may be growing public sentiment urging him to run, he has not formally declared any intention to contest. Until such a declaration is made, any assumptions about his candidacy remain speculative and without legal or constitutional standing.
“Even if he chooses to run, the legal framework guiding such a transition is clear. According to Sections 66(1)(f), 107(1)(f), 137(1)(g), and 182(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, any public office holder aspiring to contest in an election is only required to resign at least 30 days before the election.
The Electoral Act 2022 and the APC Constitution reinforce this requirement.”
