- Jubilation as party supporters storm Kano, Jos streets
- Apex court affirms election of Sanwo-Olu, Bala Mohammed, Otu, Nwifuru, others
- ANALYSIS: Supreme Court and Plateau lawmakers axed by Appeal Court
The storm is over for Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal on the threat to their tenure.
The Supreme Court yesterday restored their mandate which the Court of Appeal had nullified.
The apex court also affirmed the March 8, 2023 election of Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Alex Otti (Abia State), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Bassey Otu (Cross River) and Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi).
News of the court verdicts sparked jubilation across the affected states.
The governors themselves went spiritual, dedicating their judicial victory to God.
The Governors of Bauchi, Zamfara, Ebonyi, Plateau and Kano were in court to witness proceedings. Former Plateau State governor and now a member of the Senate, Mr. Simon Lalong was also in court.
In upholding the election of Yusuf in Kano, the Supreme Court faulted the November 17, 2023 judgment of the Court of Appeal which had sacked him.
The court allowed the appeal by Yusuf, marked: SC/CV/1179/2023, and set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal.
In the lead judgment, Justice John Okoro held that the Court of Appeal was wrong to have affirmed the decision of the election tribunal to cancel and deduct 165,616 votes from NNPP’s total votes on the grounds that the ballot papers were not stamped , dated and signed by the polling units presiding officers.
Justice Okoro further held that the tribunal wrongly relied on Section 71 of the Electoral Act 2023 to declare the ballot papers invalid, when that section only talked about result forms and not ballot papers.
He noted that Section 63 of the same Electoral Act does not render all ballot papers without the mark of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) totally invalid.
The judge held that it was wrong for the tribunal to have held that the ballot papers were invalid when the petitioners – the APC and its candidate, Nasiru Gawuna – did not prove that the ballot papers were not supplied by INEC and that it was the appellant that induced presiding officers not to sign, stamp and date the ballot papers as required.
Justice Okoro also faulted the Court of Appeal for holding that Yusuf was not qualified to have contested the election on the grounds that he was not a member of the NNPP at the time of the election.
He held that the issues of nomination and sponsorship are internal to a party and cannot be contested by another party or a person who is not a member of the party.
Besides, he said once nomination is done in accordance with the law, it is not justiciable and as long as the person participated in all the processes leading to his/her nomination.
He added that Section 177(c) of the Constitution, which the Court of Appeal relied on, makes no provisions for the questioning the process of nomination and sponsorship of a candidate.
The judge held that Section 177(c) only frowns at independent candidate, adding that the law does not concern itself with the issue of membership of a party.
“It does not matter if he is a foundation member or just joined before the election. It does not matter, as long as he is nominated and sponsored by the party,” Justice Okoro said.
The apex court also faulted the decision of the Court of Appeal on its decision on Muftwang, in which it held that the governor was not qualified on the grounds that he was not properly nominated.
Justice Emmanuel Agim, who read the lead judgment, was of the view that the Court of Appeal erred when it set aside the decision of the election tribunal that affirmed Muftwang’s election.
The judge held that the election tribunal had no jurisdiction to determine the validity of the primary election conducted by the PDP and the nomination of Muftwang as its candidate because they were issues internal to the party, which APC and its candidate Nentawe Yilwatda could not question.
He said: “We have held consistently in a plethora of decisions overtime that the validity of primary election and nomination of a candidate by his party is not a valid ground for an election case.
Once a person’s name is submitted by his party to INEC as its candidate, he is thereby sponsored by the party and therefore satisfies the requirement of sponsorship by a party under Section 177(c) of the Constitution as he is not an independent candidate.
He held that the Court of Appeal lacked the jurisdiction to have questioned Muftwang’s nomination for whatever reason.
Justice Agim further held that not only was it too late for anybody to query the primary of the PDP and Muftwang’s nomination, being pre-election issues, the petitioners at the tribunal, the APC and its candidate, lacked the locus standi to raise such issues, not being members of the PDP.
He held that as against the finding of the Court of Appeal, the judgment of the Plateau State High Court, which the lower claimed was not complied with by the PDP, was actually complied with by the party when it conducted fresh congresses as ordered by the court.
He added that even if the order was not complied with, it ought not to affect the primary that produced Muftwang, which was conducted by a committee set up by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PDP.
The judge said the order of the state High Court was directed at the state Executive of the PDP in Plateau State and not the national PDP, which conducted the primary in accordance with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
He added: “The legal profession should wake up or it would render itself irrelevant in the society with these kinds of cases.”
In his contribution, Justice Okoro expressed concern about the manner the Court of Appeal treated the case.
He said: “My only worry is that a lot of people have suffered because of what happened there (at the Court of Appeal). The proper thing is that since it is the National Executive of the party that conducted the primary, whatever order was made against the state executive does not bind the national executive. Why did they not see it that way?”
On the Lagos State Governorship Election, the Supreme Court dismissed the appeals filed by Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party (LP) and by the PDP and its candidate, Azeez Adediran on the grounds that they were unmeritorious.
The court faulted their challenge of the qualification of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy Femi Hamzat, on the ground that Hamzat had renounced his Nigerian citizenship by acquiring the citizenship of the United States.
Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, in the lead judgment, held that the acquisition of the citizenship of the US by Hamzat did not rob him of his Nigerian citizenship, being a citizen by birth.
Justice Garba held that a Nigerian citizen by birth, who acquires the citizenship of another country, cannot be disqualified from contesting for elective position, except where the person renounces the Nigerian citizens in a manner provided by Section 29 of the Constitution.
He said: “There is no provision in the Constitution that takes away the citizenship of a Nigerian by birth. The acceptance of another country’s citizenship by a Nigerian, who is a citizen by birth, does not take away his Nigerian citizenship.
Renunciation of Nigerian citizenship must be done as provided for in Section 29 of the Constitution.
“I find that the court below was right in affirming the decision of the tribunal that the 2nd and 3rd respondents (Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat) were qualified to contest the election.”
He proceeded to affirm the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which earlier upheld the election of Sanwo-Olu.
In dismissing the appeal by Adeniran, the court found that the appellant did not establish the basis on which he had prayed the court to disqualify Sanwo-Olu and Rhodes-Vivour (who came second in the election).
Adeniran had claimed among others, that Sanwo-Olu was not qualified, alleging that he submitted forged WAEC certificate to INEC.
He also claimed that Rhodes-Vivour was equally not qualified and prayed the court to disqualify both candidates and pronounce him (who came third) the winner.
Justice Adamu Jauro, who read the lead judgment, said the case was mere academic exercise that would yield no utilitarian value to the appellant, having failed to establish the basis for the disqualification of the two candidates who came first and second in the election.
In affirming the election of Bala Muhammed of Bauchi State, the apex court was of the view that the appellant, Sadique Abubakar of the APC failed to prove his allegation of non-compliance with the Electoral Act or that the PDP candidate was not elected with majority of lawful votes cast.
In the lead judgment, Justice Ibrahim Saulawa, held among others, that while the appellant claimed that Forms EC 25B, EC40A, EC40B, and EC40C were either not filled or properly filled in polling units located in seven LGAs of Bauchi State, he was unable to show that the non-filing of the forms substantially affected the validity of the election.
“We do not agree that the non-proper filling of the forms in the required form is enough to cancel the election in the area affected,” he said.
Justice Saulawa, who resolved all the six issues, identified for determination, against the appellant, held that contrary to Abubakar’s claim, the lower courts properly evaluated their evidence.
He proceeded to dismiss the appeal and upheld the judgment of the Court of Appeal delivered on November 17.
In the case of Ebonyi, the Supreme Court, in a unanimous judgment, dismissed the appeal by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last governorship election, Chukwuma Odii Ifeanyi on the grounds that it was without merit.
In the lead judgment, Justice Tijjani Abubakar held that the appellants failed to prove their case before the trial court that the election was marred by non-compliance with relevant laws and that Nwifuru was not a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the time of the election.
On the appellants’ contention that Nwifuru was not qualified as at the time of the election, Justice Abubakar said as against the argument by appellants, Section 177(c) of the Constitution did not contain a provision to inquire about how a party nominates or sponsors its candidate.
He noted that the section made sufficient provisions on the qualification requirements for a contesting the post of governorship, while Section 182(1) of the Constitution contains factors that can make a person not qualified.
The judge held that “if a person meets the requirements of Section 177 and is not disqualified by Section 182 of the Constitution, the person is qualified to contest the election.”
Justice Abubakar affirmed the judgment of the Court of Appeal delivered on November 24, which upheld the tribunal judgment that allowed Nwifuru’s election.
In relation to Zamfara, the apex court allowed the appeal by Governor Dauda Lawal of the PDP and set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal which it found to be perverse.
In the lead judgment, Justice Agim held that the trial tribunal was right to have affirmed Lawal’s election and that the decision of the Court of Appeal was given without evidential foundation.
He noted that the petitioners at the tribunal – APC and its candidate, Bello Matawalle – relied on Forms EC8A of the disputed polling units in Maragun Local Government in support of their claim of over voting, alteration of results, non- voting and related malpractices.
Justice Agim said “What was needed to prove their case was the duplicate copies of the Forms EC8A, which the petitioners did not produce.
“The duplicate copies which the petitioners relied on to claim to have won the election, were not tendered.
“It was only the INEC copies which was disputed that was before the tribunal, but the INEC copies did not show over-voting. So the claim of over-voting failed.
“This court is of the view that the tribunal was right in holding that the petitioners did not prove their claims of over voting, non-holding of election, cancellation of results,” he said.
In affirming the election of Governor Alex Otti, the apex court dismissed the two appeals filed by PDP and its candidate, Okechukwu Ahiwe and Ikechi Emenike of the APC.
In the lead judgment, Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, held that the claim by the appellants that Otti was not a member of the LP at the time of the election and that his name was not in the party’s members’ register were issues that predated the election and ought to have been taken before a Federal High Court.
Justice Abba-Aji held that issues of membership and nomination are internal to every political party that an outsider cannot query.
“The issues raised are about events that predated the election. They ought to be challenged at the Federal High Court, because they are pre-election issues that predated the election,” she said.
The judge noted that the case “was unnecessary and ought not to have got to this court.”
Justice Abba-Aji also held that the appellants did not prove their claim of non-compliance, adding that she did not find any perverseness in the concurrent judgments of the tribunal and the Court of Appeal, which affirmed Otti’s election.
The apex court also affirmed the election of Governor Bassey Otu of the APC by dismissing the appeal filed by Professor Sandy Onor of the PDP.
Justice Helen Ogunwumiju, who read the lead judgment, held that the appellants’ failed to prove their case that Otu and his deputy were not qualified to contest the election.
The appellants had alleged that Otu was not educated up to school certificate level and his deputy was not a member of the APC at the time of the election.
Justice Ogunwumiju found that there was no merit in the allegation that Otu gave false information about the secondary school he attended and that he was not educated up to school certificate level
She also held that it was not the business of the appellant to challenge the validity of the Deputy Governor ‘s membership of the APC.
The judge proceeded to hold that the appeal “is without merit and it is a waste of judicial time and resources.”
She dismissed the appeal and affirmed the concurrent judgments of the two lower courts which earlier upheld Otu’s election.
Yusuf: I’m extremely happy
Yusuf who sat through the judgement told reporters outside the court premises that he was “extremely happy with the judgement.”
“I feel extremely happy; as you can see, so many people are happy and cheering,” pointing to his supporters who had massed round the area.
He added: “The Supreme Court has confirmed that there is no illegality as far as the election is concerned. They (APC) were saying illegal ballot papers. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that the ballot papers belong to them, they were issued by them.
“The Supreme Court justices have just confirmed also that there is no illegality, so people are aware.
“I feel justified, I feel that issue has been set aside because there was no justification whatsoever. Well, my good people, the first thing is to say a big thank you to everybody for all the support, and prayers that have been rendered for the last seven months of our administration.
“I just want to say a very big thank you to everybody, not only Kano State people but the entire good people of Nigeria as well as other people across the globe.”
He also went on X (formerly Twitter) simply writing: Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah (I thank God, I thank God).
Back in Kano, his supporters, especially youths, took to the streets chanting his name.
The streets which had been deserted earlier in the day for fear of possible violence, gradually roared back to life as soon as news of the verdict hit the airwaves.
Tricycle riders and motorcyclists displayed dangerous stunts to mark their celebrations. Some were seen burning brooms to mock the APC’s loss at the apex court.
Some supporters of the governor besieged the personal residence of former Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso on Miller Road, Kano, to join in the celebration.
Jubilations as Mutfwang dedicates Supreme Court verdict to God, Plateau people
The victory mood also swept across Jos ,the Plateau State capital with Governor Mutfwang dedicating the verdict to God and the people of the state.
He called the Supreme Court judgement a divine act.
He thanked God for sustaining him throughout the electoral process; from the polls to the tribunal, and to the apex court.
To the Justices he said: “Their Lordships have demonstrated courage and they have raised the hope of the ordinary man in Nigeria that justice is still available in the nation.
Continuing, he said: “I want to thank Mr President for showing himself as a true Democrat and not allowing the political space to become intoxicated. He has also shown that as a beneficiary of the people’s votes, he would allow and support the judiciary to perform its role without undue interference.
“I want to thank the people of Plateau State who have stood by me. I want to thank Nigerians who have stood by us and I want to thank the International Community that has also insisted that the votes of the people must count in Nigerian democracy.
“This judgement is historic and highly significant in the political journey of Plateau State. It is the rebirth of a new Plateau where God has demonstrated his sovereignty as the owner and giver of power.”
He pledged to work tirelessly for the people.
Commenting on the Court of Appeal judgements that nullified the election of National and State Assembly members elected on the platform of the PDP, Mutfwang said, “We have just crossed the bridge and when we settle down to savour this victory, we will know what to do.”
Otti to opponents: Sheath your swords
For long hours after the judgement, Labour Party (LP) supporters in Abia State launched into celebration of Gov. Otti’s victory at the Supreme Court.
There were fireworks in the commercial city of Abia while residents stormed drinking joints to savour the moment.
Otti, speaking to reporters at his Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South country home following the judgement, said he was now determined more than before to give Abia people good governance.
He hailed President Tinubu for remaining firm in his resolve that the judiciary should be independent, noting that his non-intervention in the judiciary has brought about positive results in the country.
He said: “If he did not do that, perhaps, some of the judgements and verdicts that were given today may have been different.
“I want to encourage him to continue in that light. I believe that his non- intervention in the judiciary has produced positive results in the country today.
He asked his opponents to sheath their swords and come up with ideas that could help in bringing about positive development to the state.
“I invite you to come with every idea you have, let us sit down and discuss because the most important thing is Abia state,” he said.
“Anybody that has anything to contribute to the positive development of Abia State is welcome, irrespective of your political leaning, irrespective of your ethnic leaning, irrespective of your religious leaning, we are one and the same people.
“From now on, division cannot be allowed in Abia State. We are all in one boat, anybody who wants the good of our state should join us in this boat and the boat is large enough to accept and receive everyone.”
All praises to Allah,says Bala Mohammed
Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed, reacting on his X account, said: “In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful, I offer all praises to Allah for our victory. This triumph belongs to the people of Bauchi State and our esteemed party, the @OfficialPDPNig. On behalf of my family and myself, I express deep gratitude to all our stakeholders who joined us in this journey, particularly our religious and faith leaders, political associates, friends, and well-wishers. This victory reaffirms that the good work in Bauchi State must go on.#GreaterBauchi.
Sanwo-Olu: No victors, no vanquished
In his own reaction also on X, Sanwo-Olu said: “I’m grateful for the Supreme Court’s affirmation of my election as Governor of Lagos State. An affirmation that revalidates the trust and confidence our people have placed in our vision for a greater Lagos. Thank you all for your unwavering support.
“ Like I always say, there are no victors and no vanquished. I invite those still on the fence to join our train of progressive governance. We run an inclusive government and do not claim a monopoly of ideas.
“@drobafemihamzat and I are privileged to have been elected to serve at this auspicious moment in the history of our state. Let’s continue working together to build a Lagos that thrives, progresses, and uplifts every resident. The journey continues, and our commitment remains steadfast.”
PDP’s Jandor congratulates him
The Lagos State PDP 2023 governorship candidate, Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor) congratulated Sanwo-Olu on his victory at the Supreme Court.
Adediran, in a statement personally addressed to Lagos residents after the apex court dismissed his appeal, said it was time to cease fire.
According to him, though he was disappointed by the Supreme Court ruling upholding Sanwo-Olu’s re-election, it was time for him to move forward.
“I also use this opportunity to congratulate Sanwo Olu. I wish him a peaceful, development and people-focused tenure,” Adediran said.
The PDP candidate appreciated the people and the party for the privilege to offer himself to serve as the governor of the state in the 2023 governorship election.
“We have expressed our reservation on the conduct and the outcome of the election.
“This, we did, by taking advantage of the provisions of the constitution and the electoral law to file petition at the election tribunal through to the Appeal Court and finally, the Supreme Court.
“This is not the outcome we envisaged or worked so hard for.
“But I am very proud of the values we share and the vision we hold for our dear state and for the very robust, vast, diverse, people-centered and rural-network campaign that we built and executed together.
“I know how disappointed you are with the outcomes of the election because I feel it too.
“The frustration, intimidation, and betrayals but our disappointment must be overcome by our love for our dear state,” Adediran said.
According to him, since the election is over, and all avenues to seek redress for observed electoral wrongdoing have been exhausted, we need to cease fire.
“We need to let the declared winner govern on the basis of his vision for the development of our state.
“Let the electorate be the judge of their performance.
Ebonyi hails apex over ruling
The Ebonyi State government described the judgement as cheering news.
Information and State Orientation Commissioner, Jude Okpor, in a statement said the verdict “has summarily laid to rest all agitations, questions, and possible objections occasioned by litigations from the opposition figures, arising from the March 2023 Governorship Elections.
“We are not only satisfied that the judiciary practically demonstrated her impartial status, but impressed to note that she availed the complainants’ unimpeded access to the justice they sought through the processes, which today culminated into clear victory for the generality of Ebonyi people as earlier demonstrated through the ballot box.
“There is, therefore, no gainsaying the fact that the collective wish of Ebonyi people has through this judicial position prevailed, and will no doubt stand as a reference point in years to come.
“The government of Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru which is anchored on the Divine Mandate and espoused by the Peoples’ Charter of Needs principle has not only shown readiness to accommodate all players towards achieving the noble dreams of Ebonyi founding fathers but led in the practical disposition to mend possible fences with aggrieved persons for the good of Ebonyi People.
“We, therefore, wish to congratulate our brothers for exhausting all available channels towards ventilating their legitimate interests and urge them to get along in the onerous assignment of taking our dear State to its desired destination.
“As we had always maintained through the judicial processes; The Supreme Court decision today is a victory for all who repose their confidence in His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogboona Nwifuru believes in what he can achieve for the State and humanity as Governor.
“When God ordains, no man dares cast down!”
Zamfara’ Lawal woos opposition
Governor Lawal of Zamfara State called the judgement as a reflection of the people’s desire for positive development and progress.
He said he was thrilled to receive the affirmation of his election by the Supreme Court.
“This verdict will boost our morale in fulfilling our campaign promises,” he said.
“Today’s victory is confirmation of the collective decision made by the people of Zamfara State during the governorship election held in March last year. This victory is for all the people of Zamfara State.
“By my campaign manifesto which serves as a guide for our rescue mission, my administration has taken swift action to liberate Zamfara from the shackles of poor governance.”
PDP must apologise for ‘reckless attacks’ on judiciary – APC
The ruling APC welcomed the Supreme Court decisions and said they provided a strong affirmation of the authority, vibrancy and independence of the Judiciary.
It asked the opposition to tender an “unreserved apology to the courts and our judges for the senseless, irresponsible, reckless and unjustified attacks it mounted against the Judiciary throughout this electoral cycle.”
National Publicity Secretary of the party, Felix Morka said in a statement that the decisions also reinforced the position of the APC that the Judiciary must be left alone to perform its important duty of resolving disputes, including electoral disputes as constitutionally mandated.
He said: “While the Apex Court’s decisions will undoubtedly elicit mixed reactions and reviews, the decisions are final and binding on all parties to the legal contests. The decisions today provide a strong affirmation of the authority, vibrancy and independence of the Judiciary.
“APC has been consistent in its position that the Judiciary must be left alone to perform its important duty of resolving disputes, including electoral disputes as constitutionally mandated. The decisions today must serve as a rebuke to political opposition figures that vilified and denigrated our courts when judgments were handed against them in these same matters. Assuming that it has any spec of decency left, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must tender unreserved apology to the courts and our judges for the senseless, irresponsible, reckless and unjustified attacks it mounted against the Judiciary throughout this electoral cycle.”
The party congratulated all winners, particularly Governors, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, and Bassey Otu of Cross River State, and wished them the very best as they continue to serve their states and country.
PDP Govs reaffirm confidence in Supreme Court
On its part, the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF) said it was “reassuring to note that the will and votes of the greater majority in their respective states have been formally validated by the Supreme Court.”
Director-General of the forum, Mr. C.I.D. Maduabum said in a statement in Abuja that the verdicts would ensure democratic stability in the country, adding: “The PDP-GF, in several meetings and statements, affirmed their strong belief in the ability of the Supreme Court to do justice; this belief has been reconfirmed by the Apex Court and we commend the Supreme Court for living up to the expectations of the Nigerian people.
“These verdicts represent a triumph of democracy, rule of law, and due process in Nigeria; they reaffirm the sanctity of the ballot as the determining factor for democratic legitimacy.
“The Forum is further strengthened to continue to be a critical voice for the enthronement of good governance and defence of the Nigerian people.
“The Forum prays for wisdom and God’s favour in the lives of the respective Governors, as the affirmation of these mandates have cleared the path for them to continue in the enormous tasks of rendering selfless and excellent services to their people and taking their states to greater heights.”
In a separate statement, the National Publicity of PDP,Mr. Debo Ologunagba said the “reverberating jubilation across Bauchi, Plateau, Zamfara and other States of the federation” sparked by the judgements was a testimony that they were in line with the expectation of Nigerians in their pursuit of justice, Rule of Law and deepening of Constitutional Democracy in our country.
He said: “On Bauchi, the judgment of the Supreme Court is a validation of the aspiration of the people of the State in their resolve to defend and preserve good governance as epitomized in the people-oriented leadership style and life-changing achievements of Governor Bala Mohammed for which they overwhelmingly re-elected him on March 18, 2023.
“On Plateau State, the PDP commends the courage of the Supreme Court in upholding the Will of the people and showing that indeed, the Judiciary is the last hope of the common man. The verdict came as a seal of the triumph of the manifest resilience of the women, youths and the entire people of Plateau State in their determination to liberate their State from the stranglehold of oppressive anti-people forces.
“Governor Mutfwang’s election marked a new beginning of purposeful and people-oriented leadership that has eluded Plateau State in the last eight years. This is evident in his proactive and transformative achievements in critical sectors in the State despite daunting challenges.
“On Zamfara State, the PDP applauds the Supreme Court for upholding justice by overturning the reprehensible attempt by anti-democratic forces to suppress the expressed Will of the people of Zamfara State who voted overwhelmingly for Dr. Lawal in their determination to rescue their State from an overtly corrupt, reckless, insensitive and depraved regime.
“Our Party congratulates the people of Zamfara State and salutes Governor Lawal for his efforts in restoring security of lives and property and deploying his expertise in the management of resources as manifest in the array of empowerment and development programmes in critical sectors since his assumption of office in May 2023.
“The PDP charges the Governors to continue in their delivery of people-oriented development programmes and projects in line with the policy thrust, vision and manifesto of the PDP.”
Atiku: It’s victory for the people
Presidential candidate of the PDP in last year’s election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar said the Supreme Court’s decisions represented “a significant victory for the people of Bauchi, Plateau, Akwa Ibom, and Zamfara states and is undeniably a triumph for constitutional democracy.”
He added: “This moment also provides an excellent opportunity to restate my commitment to the idea that a unified opposition is crucial for strengthening democracy in Nigeria. I am more ready than ever to lead this endeavour, working alongside our esteemed leaders and governors for the betterment of our nation. The Supreme Court’s ruling ensures the continuation of the high standards of governance that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has established in these states. “I call upon Governors @SenBalaMohammed of Bauchi, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Barr. Caleb Muftwang of Plateau, and Pastor @_PastorUmoEno of Akwa Ibom to view their Supreme Court victories as chances to further solidify and broaden the impressive governance they have already been providing. With the election phase now behind us, I am confident that the PDP will concentrate on its critical role as the principal opposition party in Nigeria, guided by its capable governors and myself.”
