With anticipation building, there is palpable anxiety among party stakeholders and supporters as the Supreme Court prepares to deliver its judgment in January on various petitions challenging the rulings of the Court of Appeal regarding governorship elections.
Following the governorship elections held on March 18, 2023, in different states, aggrieved candidates and their parties took legal action, contesting the Independent National Electoral Commission’s declaration of their opponents as winners. These cases have traversed state tribunals and appeal courts, culminating in the pending Supreme Court verdicts.
States such as Kano, Lagos, Ogun, Nasarawa, Benue, and Bauchi are among those eagerly awaiting the final judgment from the apex court.
Kano’s Political Turmoil: In Kano State, mounting anxiety prevails as residents await the apex court’s judgment on the governorship election dispute between the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). Supporters of both parties have staged protests and rallies, expressing contrasting opinions on the Appeal Court ruling. The NNPP supporters criticize the judgment, citing controversy over conflicting decisions, while APC supporters rally behind the favorable outcomes.
Benue’s High Stakes: In Benue State, residents are on edge as they await the Supreme Court’s verdict on the appeal of the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Titus Uba. The case challenges the judgments of the tribunal and the Appeal Court, which upheld the election of Hyacinth Alia of the APC. Residents express fear over the possible outcome, with civil servants and retirees reportedly praying for a favorable judgment.
Ogun’s Political Optimism: In Ogun State, the PDP reiterates its optimism about overturning Governor Dapo Abiodun’s victory at the Supreme Court. The party claims that the mandate given to its governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, was allegedly stolen by the APC. However, the APC dismisses these claims, urging Adebutu to focus on addressing allegations of vote-buying and money laundering.
Lagos PDP’s Confidence: The Lagos State chapter of the PDP remains confident of victory at the Supreme Court. The party aims to challenge the qualification of the declared winner, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the APC, based on electoral law provisions. The party believes that the Supreme Court justices will carefully examine the facts before delivering justice.
Nasarawa’s Tussle Continues: In Nasarawa State, the APC expresses confidence in victory at the apex court, emphasizing that documents support their election triumph. The PDP remains optimistic, relying on available documents and evidence for the desired justice.
Bauchi’s Hopeful Outlook: The APC in Bauchi State remains hopeful of victory based on the grounds of the petitions challenging the judgments of the tribunal and the Appeal Court. Party supporters are urged to remain optimistic and prayerful, with the belief that their candidate, Sadique Abubakar, will emerge victorious at the Supreme Court.
As these states brace for the Supreme Court verdicts, the political landscape is charged with uncertainty and expectations, awaiting the final resolution of these election disputes.