The Supreme Court has opted to withhold judgment in the appeal brought forward by Patrick Tonye-Cole, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), challenging the victory of Governor Siminalayi Fubara in the March 18, 2023, governorship election in Rivers State.
Tonye-Cole’s appeal emerged following the Appeal Court’s decision on November 28, which dismissed his appeal, citing a lack of sufficient and convincing evidence. The APC governorship candidate’s primary contentions involve allegations of irregularities, non-compliance with the Electoral Act, and Fubara’s alleged continuation of signing documents as the Rivers State’s Accountant-General even after his nomination as the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The appeal targets various entities, including the Electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP, and Governor Fubara.
A five-member panel, presided over by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, reserved judgment on the appeal following the adoption of briefs of arguments by all parties involved in the suit. The apex court’s decision to reserve judgment indicates a meticulous consideration of the legal arguments and evidence presented before reaching a final decision.
In addition to Tonye-Cole’s appeal, the Supreme Court also addressed the case of Innocent Kere of the Allied People’s Movement (APM). However, Kere’s appeal was dismissed after being voluntarily withdrawn by his counsel, concluding that particular legal matter. The reserved judgment in Tonye-Cole’s appeal holds significant implications for the political landscape in Rivers State, as it directly impacts the legitimacy of the governorship election results.
