The Supreme Court of Nigeria has rendered findings on petitions contesting the results of governorship elections in the states of Gombe, Kebbi, Ogun, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Delta in a historic set of rulings. This comes after the decision made last week about the futures of ten state governors.
Among the governors whose victories were upheld are Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Alex Otti (Abia), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Abba Yusuff (Kano), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau).
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In the Ogun State case, the apex court affirmed the election of Governor Dapo Abiodun, dismissing the appeal by Ladi Adebutu and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The appellants sought to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct fresh elections in 99 polling units where votes were allegedly canceled.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court affirmed the election of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, dismissing appeals by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Ovie Omo-Agege, as well as the Labour Party and its candidate, Ken Pella.
In Nasarawa State, the court upheld the election of Governor Abdullahi Sule, overturning the tribunal’s decision that declared David Ombugadu of the PDP as the winner.
Additionally, the apex court affirmed the elections of Governors Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, Nasir Idris of Kebbi, and Uba Sani of Kaduna. The decisions mark a significant conclusion to legal challenges and provide clarity on the legitimacy of these governors’ mandates.
The rulings affirm the resilience of the electoral process and the adherence to legal procedures. As the judgments are welcomed, political stakeholders and citizens anticipate a renewed focus on governance and development in the affected states.
Oreoluwa is an accountant and a brand writer with a flair for journalism.
