Abuja, Nigeria: In a shocking turn of events, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has overturned the Court of Appeal’s earlier ruling and reinstated Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State as the rightful leader. This dramatic move follows months of uncertainty surrounding the 2023 gubernatorial election, with various legal challenges clouding the political landscape.
The apex court, in a unanimous decision, declared the Court of Appeal’s judgment “a fundamental error” and reinstated Mutfwang, who stood as the candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), back to his rightful position. This comes as a major blow to Nentawe Goshwe, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate who was previously declared the winner by the appellate court.
The Supreme Court’s decision rests on two key points:
- Nomination Challenge Time Limit: The court ruled that the APC and Goshwe lacked the “locus standi” – the legal standing – to challenge Mutfwang’s nomination. According to the Electoral Act 2022, only PDP members who participated in the party’s primary election have the right to contest its outcome in court. The APC’s challenge, therefore, falls outside the legal realm.
- Jurisdictional Error: The Supreme Court deemed the Court of Appeal’s handling of the case a crucial error. They upheld that the appellate court lacked the jurisdiction to determine the validity of Mutfwang’s primary election, further emphasizing that the validity of his nomination cannot be contested at an election petition tribunal.
Justice Emmanuel Agim, who delivered the lead judgment, went on to express strong concern about the Court of Appeal’s decision, stating that it could “render the legal profession irrelevant” if such rulings become commonplace. This strong message underlines the court’s emphasis on legal propriety and adherence to established procedures.
What This Means for Plateau State:
Governor Mutfwang’s reinstatement marks a significant development for Plateau State. The months of legal limbo and political uncertainty can finally come to an end, allowing the state to focus on addressing pressing issues and moving forward with a stable leadership. While some reactions might be mixed, the Supreme Court’s decision upholds the democratic process and ensures that the duly elected representative resumes his rightful place in government.
This story is still unfolding, and we will continue to provide updates as they become available. Stay tuned for further developments on this groundbreaking decision and its impact on the political landscape of Plateau State!
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