Supreme Court Decisions Unveiled for Governorship Election Disputes in Seven States

As the Supreme Court deliberates on gubernatorial disputes across various states, today marks the decisive moment for seven states awaiting the apex court's verdict. The states in anticipation of the judgment include Plateau, Kano, Zamfara, Abia, Lagos, Cross Rivers, Bauchi, and Ebonyi.

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has officially upheld Bassey Otu's election as the Governor of Cross River State, dismissing an appeal filed by Professor Sandy Onor and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who sought to overturn Governor Otu's victory under the APC.

In a similar ruling, the apex court affirmed Alex Otti of the Labour Party (LP) as the duly elected Governor of Abia State, following the Wednesday reservation of judgment in appeals filed by the PDP and APC challenging Otti's election.

Caleb Muftwang has been declared the duly elected Governor of Plateau State by the Supreme Court, overturning the Court of Appeal's decision that initially removed him from office, based on an appeal by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Francis Nwifuru's victory as the Governor of Ebonyi State was affirmed by the Supreme Court, despite challenges to his March 18, 2023, election on the APC platform.

Dauda Lawal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) received affirmation as the authentic Governor of Zamfara State, challenging the inconclusive declaration by the Court of Appeal in November, which had ordered supplementary elections in some local government areas.

Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) had his election as the Governor of Kano State confirmed by the Supreme Court. Justice John Okoro, in the lead judgment, criticized the lower court's decision to deduct 165,616 votes from Governor Yusuf's total.

Bala Mohammed's election as the Governor of Bauchi State was upheld by the Supreme Court, dismissing the appeal by Sadique Abubakar of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for lacking merit.

Likewise, Babajide Sanwo-Olu's position as the Governor of Lagos State was affirmed by the Supreme Court, with Justice Garba Lawal dismissing the appeal filed by Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party.

As the rulings unfolded, Governors Caleb Muftwang and Dauda Lawal of the PDP arrived at the Supreme Court in Abuja, accompanied by the immediate past Governor of Plateau State and former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Simon Lalong.

The atmosphere is tense, particularly in Plateau, Kano, and Zamfara, with heightened security in place as the Supreme Court prepares to deliver judgments on the disputed March 18, 2023, governorship elections.