Supreme Court Reinstate Caleb Mutfwang as Plateau State Governor

Joy ChukwuJanuary 12, 20241 Mins read159

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Governor of Plateau State

The Supreme Court, on Friday, 12 January, ruled in favour and reinstated Plateau State Governor after affirming his election during the March 2023 election.

Emmanuel Agim, heading the apex court, deemed the entire case a blatant abuse of the court process, faulting the court of appeal for nullifying Mutfwang’s election.

The apex court ruled that the March 18, 2023, election cannot be invalidated based on the validity of Mutfwang’s party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), nomination, and sponsorship.

“The Court of Appeal lacks the jurisdiction to determine the validity of the candidacy of the PDP,” Justice Emmanuel Agim said.

“The election and return of the appellant as governor of Plateau state is hereby restored,” the court held.

In the March 2023 election, Mutfwang emerged victorious and was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with 525,299 votes. Nentawe Yilwatda, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, secured 481,370 votes.

Dissatisfied with the results, Yilwatda and his party submitted a petition contesting the election outcome.

In November 2023, the Court of Appeal voided Mutfwang’s election and instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to grant Nentawe Goshwe of the All Progressives Congress (APC) a Certificate of Return, but the governor proceeded to the apex court to seek redress.

Today, the apex court ruled in favour of the sacked Governor, Caleb Mutgwang, restoring him to his position as governor.