In a pivotal legal development, the Supreme Court has chosen to reserve judgment in the appeal brought forth by Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State. The governor is fervently seeking to overturn the verdict of the Court of Appeal, which nullified his election. The five-member panel of justices, spearheaded by Justice John Okoro, opted to reserve judgment after meticulously considering arguments presented by both the appellants and respondents.
Governor Mutfwang, represented by his counsel Kanu Agabi, urged the court to uphold the Tribunal’s judgment and set aside the decision of the appellate court. The core of his argument rested on the assertion that the respondents, namely Nentawe Goshwe and the All Progressives Congress (APC), lacked the right to question the internal processes by which a party elects its state executives.
Agabi contended that the respondents cannot simultaneously plead that the governor did not secure the lawful votes attributed to him while asserting the invalidity of the election. This legal intricacy underscores the delicate balance between challenging election outcomes and respecting the internal affairs of political parties.
On the opposing side, the APC and its candidate put forward a different narrative. They argued that Mutfwang’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stands in disobedience of a valid court order that specifically directed them to conduct congresses in 17 local governments. However, the PDP allegedly conducted congresses in only five local governments before proceeding with the March governorship election.
As the Supreme Court navigates the complexities of this case, the legal arena remains abuzz with anticipation regarding the potential ramifications for electoral processes and party dynamics. The reserved judgment holds the key to the finality of this legal dispute, shaping the political landscape in Plateau State.
