A former President of the Court of Appeal, Isa Salami, has stated that Peter Obi was not qualified to contest the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party.
Salami made the assertion in Ilorin, Kwara State, during a visit by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, where he received an award.
According to the retired jurist, the issue stems from constitutional provisions regarding party membership and candidacy. He argued that Obi’s emergence as a Labour Party candidate raised legal concerns since the party had already submitted its membership list to the Independent National Electoral Commission before his defection.
“For instance, Peter Obi ought not be allowed to contest the 2023 presidential election,” Salami said, adding that Nigeria’s constitution does not recognise independent candidacy.
He also cited a similar case involving Abba Yusuf, questioning the validity of political party membership processes and documentation.
Salami criticised aspects of the judiciary, attributing some controversial rulings to what he described as gaps in competence among certain judges.
“Some of them have a problem with learning. They don’t have a good background to be judges,” he said, noting that systemic issues in judicial appointments may contribute to inconsistent judgments.
He further expressed concern over the process of elevation to higher courts, suggesting that vacancies based on regional considerations sometimes override merit and experience.
Reflecting on his career, Salami described the current situation as a challenge for Nigeria’s judicial system but expressed hope for reforms over time.
He also acknowledged the influence of Wole Soyinka on his views about national issues, as well as the role of Obafemi Awolowo in shaping his decision to study law.
The remarks have added to ongoing debates surrounding Nigeria’s electoral processes, judicial decisions, and the interpretation of constitutional provisions in political contests.
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