A Federal High Court, Jalingo, has ruled that the former Taraba State governor, Rev. Jolly Nyame, is not eligible to contest in the 2027 general elections.
In a judgment delivered in suit number FHC/JAL/CS/6/2026, filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the Taraba Progress Front against Nyame and another respondent, Justice Mashkur Salisu held that the former governor did not receive a full presidential pardon but was granted clemency on health grounds in 2022.
The court ruled that the clemency granted to him does not automatically restore his eligibility to participate in elections until the constitutional period stipulated by law has elapsed.
Justice Salisu gave the ruling while determining a motion for interpretation filed by Abuja-based lawyer, Barrister Badmus, who sought clarification on the legal implications of Nyame's conviction and the effect of the presidential clemency granted to him.
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Citing Section 182(1)(e) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 85 of the Electoral Act 2022, the court held that whether any person convicted for offences involving dishonesty or fraud remains disqualified from contesting elections within the prescribed period under the law.
The judge also cited the judgment in case number FCT/CR/82/07, delivered by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on 30 May 2018, which convicted Nyame of corruption and financial misappropriation.
According to the court, although Nyame was granted presidential clemency, the pardon does not erase the constitutional restrictions attached to his conviction.
"The presidential clemency granted to the respondent does not confer immediate eligibility to participate in elections until after the expiration of the mandatory 10-year period from the date the pardon was granted," the court held.
The ruling effectively bars the former governor from participating in the 2027 general elections, with the court maintaining that he can only become eligible after 2028.
...As Taraba APC Denies Rift Between Kefas, Nyame
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State has dismissed speculations of a political rift between Governor Agbu Kefas and former governor Jolly Nyame ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that the former governor remains a respected elder statesman within the party.
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Speaking in an interview with Leadership, the APC Publicity Secretary in the state, Aaron Aritmas, said there was no official indication that Nyame had been stopped from contesting any elective position, as speculated in some political circles.
"I am not aware of any disagreement between Governor Kefas and Jolly Nyame. The governor recognises him as one of the founding fathers of Taraba State and has continued to accord him all due respect as a former governor," Aritmas said.
According to him, while supporters of the former governor had been promoting his possible senatorial ambition on social media, there was no formal complaint or public declaration suggesting that Governor Kefas had opposed his political aspirations.
"It is all speculative. Nobody has formally stated that the governor stopped him from contesting any election. If he wants to contest, it is his constitutional right," he added.
