Kano: Governor Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) received a major boost as the apex court overturned the judgements of the Court of Appeal and the election petitions tribunal, which had previously nullified his election. Justice John Okor, delivering the judgement, ruled that Yusuf was the duly elected governor of Kano State following the March 18, 2023 election.
This decision comes as a significant relief for Yusuf and his supporters, who had challenged the lower court rulings that favored Nasir Yusuf Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The tribunal had earlier ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw Yusuf’s certificate of return and issue it to Gawuna.
Plateau: Similarly, jubilation erupted in Plateau state as the Supreme Court restored the mandate of Governor Caleb Mutfwang of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In a unanimous decision, Justice Emmanuel Agim ruled that Mutfwang’s appeal against the Court of Appeal judgement, which had declared Nentawe Yilwada of the APC as the winner of the March 18 election, had merit.
The Appeal Court had previously disqualified Mutfwang on the grounds that he was not properly sponsored by the PDP. However, the Supreme Court overturned this ruling, paving the way for Mutfwang to continue serving as governor.
Reactions: The Supreme Court’s decisions have been met with mixed reactions across the country. While supporters of Yusuf and Mutfwang celebrated the verdicts, their opponents expressed disappointment. The rulings are expected to have significant political implications in both Kano and Plateau states, with parties now strategizing for the next round of elections.
Overall: The Supreme Court’s affirmations of Yusuf and Mutfwang’s victories bring an end to protracted legal battles and provide clarity on the leadership of Kano and Plateau states. The decisions are likely to shape the political landscape in both regions in the coming months and years.