In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court has upheld the election victory of Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, representing the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), as the duly elected Governor of Plateau State. This decision follows the gubernatorial poll held on March 18th.
Initially, the tribunal had unanimously affirmed Governor Mutfwang’s victory after a petition was filed by the APC Candidate, Goshwe Yilwatda Nentawe.
However, the Court of Appeal later overturned this judgment, citing a lack of structure at the State Executive Committee level of the Party.
Undeterred, Governor Mutfwang sought redress from the Apex Court, which made several key points in support of his case:
- The Plateau State High Court’s order cannot impact PDP primaries, as these are conducted by the National Executive Committee of the Party, not at the state level.
- The Court of Appeal lacked jurisdiction to address the issue of nomination.
- The third issue, questioning whether the judgment in Bitrus Kaze could prevent the National Executive Committee of the party from conducting primaries, was resolved in favor of the PDP, emphasizing that they lacked the standing to interfere in the internal affairs of another party.
The Supreme Court also criticized the Court of Appeal for involving itself in matters beyond its jurisdiction, highlighting the inappropriate nature of its interference.
This ruling by the Supreme Court definitively solidifies Caleb Mutfwang’s position as the duly elected Governor of Plateau State, providing clarity and resolution to the legal complexities surrounding the election.
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