Plateau State Judicial Bombshell: Court of Appeal Nullifies Governor Mutfwang’s 2023 Election

The legal battle over the Plateau State governorship election began when Nentawe Goshwe, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, contested Caleb Mutfwang’s victory. Goshwe claimed that Mutfwang was not validly nominated by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and cited non-compliance with the Electoral Act during the election. Despite Goshwe’s efforts, a three-member tribunal, led by Justice R. Irele-Ifijeh, unanimously dismissed the petition for lacking merit.

The tribunal’s decision stirred dissatisfaction among APC ranks, prompting Goshwe to appeal the judgment. This marked the initial phase of a legal saga that would significantly impact Plateau State’s political landscape.

APC Appeals Tribunal’s Decision

Unyielding in his pursuit of electoral justice, Nentawe Goshwe took the case to the Court of Appeal. The APC candidate aimed to overturn the tribunal’s dismissal of his petition, presenting a formidable legal challenge to Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s legitimacy. This move heightened anticipation and political tensions in Plateau State, as the legal battle continued to unfold.

Court of Appeal Questions PDP’s Nomination Process

In a pivotal judgment delivered on Sunday, the three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, led by Justice Elfrieda Williams-Dawodu, delved into the heart of the matter. Citing Section 177 of the Constitution, the court declared that Governor Mutfwang was not validly sponsored by the PDP for the election. Justice Williams-Dawodu highlighted the PDP‘s violation of a court order mandating a valid congress in all 17 local government areas of the state. This revelation cast a shadow over the legitimacy of Mutfwang’s candidacy and set the stage for a significant political upheaval.

Violation of High Court Order

The Court of Appeal’s judgment underscored the PDP‘s failure to comply with a subsisting High Court order, which explicitly directed the party to conduct a valid congress before sponsoring candidates. The court’s meticulous scrutiny of the election process brought to light crucial lapses in the PDP’s adherence to legal directives, further undermining the governor’s claim to a valid nomination.

Qualification as a Pre and Post-election Matter

A key legal nuance emerged during the Court of Appeal’s deliberations. Justice Williams-Dawodu clarified that the issue of qualification is both a pre-election and a post-election matter. This stood in contrast to the tribunal’s stance, which had asserted that Goshwe lacked the locus to contest the validity of Mutfwang’s qualification. The court’s clarification added a layer of complexity to the legal proceedings, emphasizing the broader implications of the case beyond the immediate electoral dispute.

Political Turmoil Looms Over Plateau State

With the Court of Appeal’s decision to nullify Governor Mutfwang’s election, Plateau State now faces a period of political uncertainty. The impact of this judgment extends beyond the individual candidates involved, raising questions about the overall integrity of the electoral process and the adherence to legal protocols. As the state prepares for potential by-elections and political reshuffling, the ramifications of this legal saga reverberate through Plateau State’s political landscape.