Supreme Court to decide fate of gubernatorial elections in six states today

The Supreme Court is set to deliver judgments today on appeals challenging the outcomes of gubernatorial elections in six states: Gombe, Kebbi, Ogun, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Delta. This follows the recent decisions by the apex court regarding 10 state governors, where none were removed from office.

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Last week, the Supreme Court ruled on the fates of governors including Hyacinth Alia of Benue, Alex Otti of Abia, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Cross River governor Bassey Otu, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuff, Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, and Plateau State governor Caleb Mutfwang.

Despite these rulings, no governor has been sacked from office thus far.

Among the cases to be decided today, Nasarawa State holds particular significance. The tribunal had previously ousted Governor Abdullahi Sule, declaring David Ombugadu of the PDP as the winner of the March 18, 2023 election. However, the appeal court reinstated Sule, emphasizing that the tribunal had erred in relying on the evidence of certain PDP witnesses.

The Delta State governorship appeal is also of interest, where Ken Pella of the Labour Party and Ovie Omo-Agege of the APC contested the victory of Sheriff Oborevwori as the governor.

In Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu of the PDP is challenging the victory of Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Ahead of the judgments, concerns about potential violence have led both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State to enter into a peace agreement. The appeal court had reinstated Governor Abdullahi Sule, overturning the earlier tribunal decision.

The Supreme Court premises in Abuja have been secured, with roads leading to the court cordoned off from the Head of Civil Service office. Stringent security measures, including thorough checks on accredited litigants, journalists, and party faithful, are in place to manage the crowd expected to observe the proceedings.