The Nigerian Supreme Court is set to hear the Zamfara State Governorship petition today.
This comes after the Court of Appeal in Abuja, on November 16th, 2023, took a decisive step of sacking Governor Dauda Lawal and declaring inconclusive, the state governorship election.
The Court of Appeal’s ruling, prompted by legal challenges, led to the annulment of the election results and mandated a rerun in three crucial local government areas; Maradun, Birnin-Magaji, and Bukkuyum.
Background
Mr. Lawal, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, is currently leading Zamfara, having won against the former governor, Bello Matawalle of the All Progressives Congress.
Zamfara’s political scene has been turbulent post-gubernatorial elections. Governor Lawal’s win against Bello Matawalle led to legal conflicts, culminating in cases presented to the Court of Appeal.
The election tribunal in Zamfara had initially ruled in favor of Mr. Lawal, but this decision was reversed at the appellate court.
The court of appeal declared the election inconclusive and ordered a rerun in some LGAs.
The Court of Appeal’s ruling not only nullified Governor Lawal’s victory but also mandated him to stay in office pending the final resolution by the Supreme Court.
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