Supreme Court Reinstates Kano, Plateau Governors, Affirms Six Others

Kano and Plateau Governors are reinstated, while six others retain their positions. The Appeal Court faces criticism for its perceived “messy” judgments, with a warning that such irresponsible verdicts could undermine the judiciary’s relevance. Notably, individuals including Sanwo-Olu, Yusuf, Mutfwang, Mohammed, Lawal, Nwifuru, Otti, and Otu emerge victorious.

In a marathon judgement session lasting over seven hours, the Supreme Court on Friday affirmed the election victories of eight governors, addressing various appeals related to the 2023 governorship elections held on March 18, 2023.

Among the notable outcomes, the court upheld the re-election of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in Lagos State, dismissing appeals by candidates of the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party challenging his eligibility. The court ruled that Sanwo-Olu’s deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, was a Nigerian citizen by birth, dismissing claims of dual citizenship.

In Bauchi State, the Supreme Court affirmed the victory of Governor Bala Mohammed, dismissing an appeal by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Sadique Abubakar, challenging the election outcome.

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The court also reversed the judgement that initially nullified the election of Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, declaring that valid votes were wrongly deducted. The Court of Appeal had earlier nullified Yusuf’s victory and declared Nasiru Gawuna of the APC as the winner.

In Zamfara State, the Supreme Court overturned the Court of Appeal’s declaration of the governorship election as inconclusive, reinstating Governor Dauda Lawal of the Peoples Democratic Party as the valid winner.

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State had his election victory affirmed, with the court dismissing appeals by candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Grand Alliance.

The court also reversed the judgement that initially nullified the election of Plateau State Governor Caleb Muftwang, declaring that the Court of Appeal lacked jurisdiction to determine the validity of his nomination.

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Governor Alex Otti’s election victory in Abia State was upheld, with the court dismissing appeals by candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress challenging his membership of the Labour Party.

Finally, the Supreme Court dismissed an appeal challenging the election victory of Governor Bassey Otu of the APC in Cross River State, stating that the appeal was without merit and contained pre-election issues that had become statute-barred.

The marathon judgement session witnessed an unprecedented occurrence with eight justices of the Supreme Court sitting to determine various appeals related to the governorship elections. The court emphasized the need for meticulousness and warned against undermining public confidence in the judicial process.