The Supreme Court has upheld the election victory of Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang.
This ruling follows a tumultuous legal battle that saw conflicting decisions from the State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal and the Appeal Court.
Muftwang’s triumph in the March 18, 2023, poll faced initial affirmation from the State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal in Jos.
However, the tide turned when the appeal court overturned the lower court’s decision, declaring Nentawe Goshwe of the All Progressives Congress as the winner.
The basis for this reversal was the alleged failure of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to comply with the Plateau State High Court’s order to conduct valid congresses before nominating candidates.
Court’s Decision
Addressing the heart of the matter, Justice Emmanuel Agim, reading the apex court’s judgment, emphasized that the APC and its candidate lacked standing to challenge the PDP’s primary election.
He highlighted a jurisdictional lapse, stating that both the tribunal and the court of appeal were wrong to entertain the issue.
Agim criticized the appeal court for deeming the petition an abuse of court processes and expressed concern about the adverse impact on individuals.
Justice John Okoro, concurring with the lead judgment, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the unnecessary suffering caused by the prolonged legal dispute.
This verdict reinstates Caleb Mutfwang as the duly elected governor, with the Supreme Court’s strong stance against what it deemed an abuse of the legal system.
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