As the Supreme Court prepares to deliver judgments in 13 governorship appeals across six states, a sense of anxiety grips party supporters. The governors of Nasarawa, Rivers, Delta, Gombe, Ogun, and Kebbi states await the apex court’s decisions on their respective cases.
The Supreme Court has heard and reserved judgments on these appeals, emphasizing unhindered access for lawyers, litigants, and the media. The decisions hold significant implications as the apex court serves as the final recourse for presidential and governorship election appeals, as stipulated by the Electoral Act 2022.
Last week, the Supreme Court delivered judgments in eight governorship appeals, arising from decisions made by the Court of Appeal. Some governors filed appeals to challenge their removal from office, while others contested judgments affirming their election victories.
One notable case generating tension is in Rivers State, where the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tonye Cole, challenges Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s electoral victory. The judgment is anticipated to impact the ongoing political face-off between Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.
In Delta State, appeals from APC, Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Labour Party (LP) candidates challenge the victory of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. The appellants, including former Senate Deputy President Ovie Omo-Agege, Barr Kennet Gbagi, and Ken Pela, seek the Supreme Court’s intervention to reverse the Court of Appeal’s judgment.
Ogun State faces heightened uncertainty as the Supreme Court delivers its verdict on the disputed governorship election results held in March 2023. The ruling APC and its challenger, PDP, maintain an anxious silence, awaiting the final decision that will settle the electoral dispute.
Meanwhile, Nasarawa State witnesses women groups urging the Supreme Court to uphold its independence in the judgment concerning the March 18, 2023, governorship election. The women emphasize the importance of an unbiased verdict and call for transparency and justice.
The atmosphere in Nasarawa State remains calm, while in Ogun State, politicians from both APC and PDP live in anticipation. Supporters of PDP in Nasarawa continue prayers, expressing solidarity with their candidate, David Umbugadu. Despite the political tension, both the APC and PDP recently signed a peace deal, urging supporters to refrain from actions that could lead to a breach of peace in the state. The Supreme Court’s verdicts are poised to shape the political landscape in these states and potentially impact the power dynamics.
