the Supreme Court has reinstated Caleb Mutfwang as the duly elected governor of Plateau State, dismissing the earlier ruling that ousted him.
The apex court emphasized that the All-Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Nentawe Goshwe, lacked the standing to challenge the primary election in court.
Previously, a lower court had nullified Mutfwang’s victory following an appeal by Goshwe, contesting the outcome of the March 18, 2023, election. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Mutfwang the winner with 525,299 votes, while Goshwe garnered 481,370 votes.
The Plateau State Tribunal upheld Mutfwang’s election, stating that the challenge from the APC candidate was beyond its jurisdiction. Unfazed, Goshwe took the case to the Appeal Court, which initially ruled in his favor, citing non-compliance with a High Court order by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
However, in the recent Supreme Court proceedings, Justice Agim Emmanuel led the three-member panel in asserting that the Court of Appeal had no jurisdiction to intervene in the PDP’s internal matters. He emphasized that the APC candidate had no right to question the PDP’s primary election, as he was not an aspirant within the party.
Furthermore, Justice Emmanuel clarified that a state High Court’s order regarding party congresses did not undermine the PDP National Executive Committee’s authority to conduct its congress and nominate candidates. He dismissed the appeal, declaring the entire case an abuse of court process and affirming Mutfwang’s victory in the governorship election.
The Supreme Court’s decision marks a significant legal victory for Governor Caleb Mutfwang, upholding the democratic process and the internal affairs of political parties.
