The Supreme Court is poised to deliver judgements in seven pivotal governorship appeals on Friday, January 12, 2024, commencing at 9 am. The states under scrutiny include Lagos, Kano, Zamfara, Plateau, Ebonyi, Bauchi, and Cross River.
1. Kano: Yusuf vs. Gawuna In late December, the apex court reserved judgement in the appeal lodged by Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, contesting the rulings of the Court of Appeal and the State Election Petitions Tribunal that ousted him from office. The Supreme Court’s decision will shape the political landscape in Kano.
2. Plateau: Mutfwang vs. Goshwe Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State seeks to overturn the Court of Appeal’s nullification of his election. The Supreme Court, after reserving judgement on January 9, will decide the fate of the state’s leadership and determine if the appellate court’s decision stands.
3. Zamfara: Lawal vs. Matawalle In November, the Appeal Court invalidated the election of Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal. The Supreme Court will now have the final say on whether the governorship will be restored to Lawal or if a fresh election will be mandated.
4. Bauchi: Mohammed vs. Abubakar Governor Bala Mohammed’s victory in Bauchi State’s March 18 governorship election was challenged by Sadique Abubakar of the APC. The Supreme Court’s affirmation or reversal of the appellate court’s decision will determine the state’s leadership.
5. Lagos: Sanwo-Olu vs. GRV, Jandor The Appeal Court in Lagos confirmed Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s election as the Governor of Lagos State in November, dismissing the appeals of the PDP and LP. The Supreme Court’s judgement on Friday will either solidify Sanwo-Olu’s victory or open the door for a different outcome.
6. Ebonyi: Nwifuru vs. Odii The Supreme Court reserved judgement in the appeal related to the Ebonyi State governorship election. The apex court will determine the fate of the state’s leadership, weighing the arguments between APC’s Francis Nwifuru and PDP’s Chukwuma Odii.
As these crucial appeals are brought to the forefront, the nation anticipates the decisions of the Supreme Court that will significantly impact the political landscape in these states. The outcomes are poised to shape the governance and leadership dynamics in the affected regions.