The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision by a five-member panel of Justices, reinstated Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State on Friday, overturning the Court of Appeal’s nullification of his election. The apex court upheld Mutfwang’s victory in the governorship election, rejecting the Court of Appeal’s declaration of APC candidate Nentawe Goshwe as the winner. Justice Emmanuel Agim, delivering the lead judgement, emphasized that the appellate court lacked jurisdiction to decide the validity of the primary election that nominated Mutfwang. The Supreme Court also noted that the APC and its candidate lacked the standing to challenge Mutfwang’s candidature under section 84(18) of the Electoral Act 2022. The decision criticized the abuse of the court process, cautioning the legal profession about its relevance.
