On Sunday, tensions flared between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the Court of Appeal’s decision to sack Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State. The court, led by Justice Elphreda Williams-Dawodu, directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw Mutfwang’s certificate of return and issue a new one to Nentawe Goshwe of the APC, declared as the valid winner of the March 18 governorship election.
This marked the third opposition governor removal within three days, with similar decisions affecting PDP governors in Zamfara and Kano states. Okechukwu Osuoha, PDP Deputy Legal Adviser, contested the judgments, claiming they were not in line with the law. Bala Ibrahim, Director of Publicity for the APC, countered, stating accusations of turning Nigeria into a one-party state were baseless and fueled by a lack of understanding of the judicial process.
In the contested election, Mutfwang secured 525,299 votes, while Goshwe polled 481,370 votes. Goshwe challenged Mutfwang’s victory, alleging invalid nomination and non-compliance with the Electoral Act. The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal initially dismissed the petition, but Goshwe pursued the case at the Court of Appeal.
Justice Williams-Dawodu, in the lead judgment, asserted that Mutfwang was not validly sponsored by the PDP and was unqualified to contest due to the party’s failure to conduct valid congresses as ordered by a Plateau State High Court. The court ordered INEC to retrieve Mutfwang’s certificate of return and issue a new one to Goshwe.
Deputy PDP legal adviser, Osuoha, criticized recent judgments, claiming they often relied on technicalities rather than justice. He emphasized the need for the judiciary to be impartial and urged the party and Mutfwang to appeal. PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, alleged that “the highest bidders were getting favorable rulings” and warned against forcing the APC on Nigerians.
Ladipo Johnson, NNPP National Auditor, described the judgments as “judicial rascality.” The Labour Party expressed concern about the alleged use of the judiciary to undermine opposition parties. However, the APC’s Ibrahim dismissed claims of inducement, emphasizing the independence of the judiciary.
In response to the setback, Mutfwang considered it temporary and instructed his legal team to appeal to the Supreme Court. He urged calm among PDP supporters, expressing confidence in the judiciary and the constitution.
Former Plateau State Governor and Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, hailed the judgment as an affirmation of the people’s mandate. Lalong encouraged magnanimity in victory and called for continued lawfulness among Plateau State citizens.
The Court of Appeal’s decision has stirred political tensions, with both parties gearing up for further legal battles and emphasizing their commitment to democratic processes