Court of Appeal in Abuja has nullified the election of Governor Caleb Muftwang of Plateau State. The three-member panel, in a unanimous decision on Sunday, ruled that Muftwang was not validly sponsored by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing a violation of Section 285(2) of the Nigerian Constitution.
The focal point of the decision revolved around the appeal brought by Nentawe Goshwe of the All Progressives Congress (APC), asserting that the issue of Muftwang's qualification was both a pre and post-election matter, in accordance with Section 177(c) of the Nigerian Constitution, 1999, and Sections 80 and 82 of the Electoral Act, 2022.
The panel concurred with the appellant, Goshwe, emphasizing that the PDP's failure to comply with the orders of the Plateau State High Court and the Court of Appeal constituted a breach of the law. The orders directed the PDP to conduct valid ward, local governments, and state congresses before nominating candidates for various elective posts.
Highlighting a significant flaw in the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal's judgment, the panel deemed it "highly inconsistent and a breach of fair hearing." This was due to the tribunal relying on expunged witnesses' statements to reject Goshwe's appeal.
In a decisive move, the panel directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the certificate of return issued to Muftwang and instead issue a fresh one to Goshwe, officially declaring him the rightful winner.
This groundbreaking decision is poised to have far-reaching implications for Plateau State's political landscape, with reactions from both the PDP and APC anticipated in the coming days. Stay tuned for comprehensive coverage as this story unfolds.
