Peter Obi, Abba Yusuf were not qualified to run in 2023 election – Ex-Appeal Court President Ayo Salami claims
Politics Peter Obi, Abba Yusuf were not qualified to run in 2023 election – Ex-Appeal Court President Ayo Salami claims Published on March 25, 2026 By John Owen Nwachukwu googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1500386953281-8'); }); Former President of the Court of Appeal, retired Justice Isa Ayo Salami, has expressed doubts regarding the eligibility of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, to run in the 2023 presidential election, attributing the situation to what he refers to as judicial incompetence. Salami made these comments in Ilorin, Kwara State, during a courtesy visit and award ceremony organized by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, WSCIJ, which was led by its founder, Dapo Olorunyomi. He claimed that deficiencies among certain judges have led to what he considers dubious judicial rulings. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1524595905268-5'); }); “The inadequacy and incompetence of some judges are responsible for some of their wrong verdicts,” he stated. He further asserted that Obi should not have been permitted to run in the 2023 election under the Labour Party. “For instance, Peter Obi ought not to have been allowed to contest the 2023 presidential election. By the time he left the PDP, the Labour Party had already submitted its list of members to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. “The Constitution does not recognize independent candidacy. How did he become a candidate of the Labour Party if he was not a member?” he questioned. Salami also expressed similar concerns regarding Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, arguing he should not have been allowed to run under the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP. “His name was not in the NNPP register, yet he was issued a membership card. The register is supposed to be the primary record,” he remarked. The retired jurist criticized the judicial appointment process, highlighting that some individuals ascend to higher courts not solely based on merit but also due to regional factors and available positions. “At times, one may find certain rulings, even from the Supreme Court, to be quite surprising. Some individuals attain these positions not due to their exceptional qualifications, but rather because there are openings available from their respective regions,” he stated. He further remarked that several judges do not possess the requisite background and experience essential for their positions. “Some of them struggle with learning. They lack the appropriate foundation to serve as judges. In earlier times, such appointments would not have occurred,” he added. Don't Miss Insecurity will end soon – Shettima assures as Lawal joins APC in Zamfara You may like Reno Omokri urges Peter Obi to retract alleged false claim on cleric’s arrest Peter Obi was not qualified to contest 2023 presidential election — Justice Salami 2027 presidency: Kwankwaso, Atiku, Peter Obi, others need to work together – Maxwell Opara 2027 presidency: Drop your ego, deputize Peter Obi – Maxwell Opara to Kwankwaso ‘This can’t be allowed’ – Peter Obi laments arrest of Sheikh Umar after hosting him in Kaduna Peter Obi visits Kwankwaso in Kano, meeting draws mixed reactions online