The Supreme Court has reinstated Caleb Mutfwang of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as Governor of Plateau State.
The apex court’s decision reversed the Court of Appeal’s decision which sacked Mutfwang and declared Dr Nentawe Yilwatda of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the March 18 governorship election.
The Appeal Court ruled that the failure of the PDP to comply with the order of the Plateau State High Court in Jos directing it to conduct valid ward, local governments, and state congresses before nominating its candidates for the various elective posts was a breach of the law.
Yilwatda had challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s declaration of Mutftwang as governor at the Plateau State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.
After the tribunal ruled in Mutfwang’s favour, the APC candidate approached the Court of Appeal.
The appeal court subsequently sacked Mutfwang and declared Yilwatda as winner, a decision that was challenged by the governor.
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On Friday, Justice Emmanuel Agim, who read the Supreme Court’s judgement, held that the APC and its candidate are not members of the PDP and cannot challenge the primary election of the PDP.
According to Justice Agim, the tribunal and court of appeal lacked jurisdiction to entertain the issue.
Agim noted that the petition of the APC in the first place was an abuse of the court process and faulted the appeal court for sacking the governor.
“The petition by the APC and its candidates are abuse of the court process.
“I wonder why the matter came to court at all. This appeal is allowed.
“My worry is that a lot of people have suffered as a result of this,” Justice John Okoro said while agreeing with the lead judgment,” Justice Agim held.
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