The election of Caleb Mutfwang as the governor of Plateau State has been upheld by the Supreme Court.
The highest court determined that the legitimacy of Mutfwang’s nomination and sponsorship by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) does not provide sufficient grounds for voiding the election held on March 18, 2023.
“The Court of Appeal lacks the jurisdiction to determine the validity of the candidacy of the PDP,” Justice Emmanuel Agim said.
In November 2023, the Court of Appeal invalidated Mutfwang’s election and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to grant a Certificate of Return to Nentawe Goshwe of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
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Despite this, the governor pursued legal recourse by approaching the supreme court. Represented by counsel Kanu Agabi, the governor implored the apex court to uphold the tribunal’s decision and nullify the ruling of the Court of Appeal.
He contended that the respondents, namely Goshwe and the APC, lack the authority to scrutinize the process through which his party selected its state executives.
In response, Goshwe and the APC asserted that Mutfwang did not receive the correct count of legal votes designated to him by the electoral body, deeming the election invalid.