Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, the country has witnessed several high-profile political battles, including the impeachment of state governors. While impeachment is a constitutional process meant to remove leaders guilty of corruption, abuse of power, or gross misconduct, it has often been influenced by political rivalries.
How a Governor Can Be Impeached in Nigeria
Outlined in Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution, impeachment begins when at least one-third of the State House of Assembly members sign a notice of allegations against a governor. The process follows these steps:
- Notice of Allegation – Signed by at least one-third of the State House of Assembly members and submitted to the Speaker.
- Serving the Notice – The Speaker must serve a copy to the governor within seven days.
- Governor’s Right to Respond – The governor may choose to respond to the allegations.
- Initial Assembly Vote – A two-thirds majority is needed to proceed.
- Investigative Panel Formation – The Chief Judge appoints a seven-member panel to review the allegations.
- Investigation and Defence – The panel conducts inquiries and allows the governor to defend themselves.
- Panel’s Findings – If allegations are unproven, the process ends. If proven, the Assembly proceeds to vote.
- Final Vote for Removal – A two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly officially removes the governor from office.
- Legal Restrictions – Impeachment decisions cannot be challenged in court.
Despite these constitutional safeguards, many impeachments have been overturned due to procedural flaws, highlighting the political nature of the process.
Nigerian Governors Impeached Since 1999
Here are six governors who have been impeached in Nigeria, the reasons behind their removal, and the aftermath of their cases.
1. Diepreye Alamieyeseigha (Bayelsa State) – 2005
Reason for Impeachment: Corruption, abuse of office, theft of public funds.
Alamieyeseigha was impeached in December 2005 after being accused of looting state funds. He was arrested in the UK but famously jumped bail and returned to Nigeria disguised as a woman. He later pleaded guilty to corruption charges in Nigeria but was pardoned in 2013 by President Goodluck Jonathan.
2. Rashidi Ladoja (Oyo State) – 2006
Reason for Impeachment: Financial misconduct, political feud.
Impeached in January 2006, Ladoja’s removal was widely believed to be orchestrated by his estranged political godfather, Lamidi Adedibu. However, the Supreme Court overturned the impeachment in November 2006, reinstating Ladoja as governor.
3. Ayo Fayose (Ekiti State) – 2006
Reason for Impeachment: Corruption, mismanagement of public funds, abuse of power.
Fayose was removed on October 16, 2006, under controversial circumstances, with many believing his impeachment was politically motivated. Following his removal, Ekiti State was placed under emergency rule. However, he made a political comeback in 2014, winning the governorship election for a second term.
4. Peter Obi (Anambra State) – 2006
Reason for Impeachment: Political interference, lack of due process.
Obi was impeached in November 2006 following a power struggle in Anambra State. However, the Court of Appeal overturned the impeachment in February 2007, reinstating him as governor. He later completed his tenure and won re-election.
5. Joshua Dariye (Plateau State) – 2006
Reason for Impeachment: Gross misconduct, mismanagement of state funds.
Dariye was impeached in November 2006 over allegations of corruption. He challenged the process in court, but his tenure ended before a final ruling. He was later convicted of corruption and sentenced to jail in 2018.
6. Murtala Nyako (Adamawa State) – 2014
Reason for Impeachment: Gross misconduct, mismanagement of state funds, strained relations with the federal government.
Nyako was removed in July 2014, with his deputy, Bala Ngilari, taking over as governor. He challenged his impeachment in court but was not reinstated.
Conclusion
While impeachment is a constitutional tool to hold governors accountable, it has often been used as a weapon in political battles. Some impeachments were later overturned by courts, raising questions about the process’s fairness and integrity.
