The Supreme Court will tomorrow, Friday 12, 2024 delivered the final judgement across six states of the federation to conclude the 2023 governorship elections petitions in the country.
The affected states are Lagos, Plateau, Kano, Zamfara, Ebonyi, and Bauchi states respectively.
Sanwo-Olu vs. GRV, Jandor – Lagos State
The Lagos Court of Appeal in November confirmed the tribunal’s judgment affirming the victory of Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Obafemi Hamzat as the Governor and Deputy Governor of Lagos State. The appeal by the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and Labour Party, LP was dismissed for lack of merit. The apex court is set to deliver its judgment on Friday.
Mutfwang vs. Goshwe – Plateau State
On January 9, 2024, the Supreme Court reserved judgment in the appeal filed by Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang. He sought to overturn the Court of Appeal’s decision that nullified his election. Governor Mutfwang, through his counsel Kanu Agabi, argued against the appellate court’s ruling and urged the Supreme Court to uphold the Tribunal’s judgment. The Appeal Court had sacked Mutfwang in November, ordering the issuance of a Certificate of Return to Nentawe Goshwe, leading the governor to approach the apex court.
Yusuf vs. Gawuna – Kano State
In late December, the Supreme Court reserved judgment in the appeal filed by Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, challenging the decisions of the Court of Appeal and the State Election Petitions Tribunal that led to his removal from office. The five-member panel, led by Justice John Okoro, concluded the hearing after the parties presented their arguments. The tribunal had nullified Yusuf’s victory, endorsing Nasiru Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the rightful governor. Despite the November affirmation of the tribunal’s verdict by the Court of Appeal, Governor Yusuf sought redress in the Supreme Court.
Lawal vs. Matawalle – Zamfara State
In November, the Appeal Court nullified the election of Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, declaring the PDP candidate the winner of the March 18 governorship election. The Tribunal’s earlier ruling on September 18 had upheld Lawal’s victory, but an unsatisfied Bello Matawalle took the matter to the Court of Appeal. On Thursday, a three-member panel nullified Lawal’s return as governor, ordering a fresh election in three local government areas. Governor Lawal, dissatisfied with the decision, proceeded to the Supreme Court for redress.
Mohammed vs. Abubakar – Bauchi State
In November, the appellate court affirmed the victory of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed in the March 18 governorship election. The All Progressive Congress, APC governorship candidate, Sadique Abubakar, filed the appeal following the tribunal’s judgment. The three-member panel unanimously ruled in favor of Mohammed, with each party bearing their costs. The appellant failed to prove allegations regarding the improper filling of election forms and booklets.
Nwifuru vs. Odii – Ebonyi State
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court reserved judgment in the Ebonyi State governorship election appeal. Last November, the Court of Appeal in Lagos affirmed the election of APC’s Francis Nwifuru as the duly elected governor, dismissing the appeal filed by PDP’s Chukwuma Odii. The PDP candidate sought redress in the apex court.
Managing Editor,
Lagos Post Online.
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