The Supreme Court has definitively affirmed Barrister Caleb Mutfwang of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) as the duly elected and returned Governor of Plateau State, following the Governorship poll held on March 18th.
Initially, the tribunal had unanimously upheld Governor Mutfwang's election in response to a petition filed by the APC candidate, Goshwe Yilwatda Nentawe. However, the Court of Appeal later overturned this decision, citing a lack of structure at the State Executive Committee level of the Party.
Undeterred, Governor Mutfwang sought resolution from the Apex Court, which delivered a clear verdict. The Supreme Court emphasized that a Plateau state high court order cannot impact PDP primaries, as primaries are conducted by the National Executive Committee of the Party, not the state.
Furthermore, the Apex Court asserted that the Court of Appeal lacked jurisdiction to address the issue of nomination, and it ruled in favor of the PDP on this matter, stating that they lacked locus standi in the internal affairs of another party.
Addressing the third issue, the Supreme Court clarified whether the judgment in Bitrus Kaze could prevent the National Executive Committee of the party from conducting primaries.
Additionally, the Apex Court expressed strong disapproval of the Court of Appeal's intervention in matters beyond its jurisdiction. The ruling solidifies Barrister Caleb Mutfwang's position as the legitimate Governor of Plateau State, marking the conclusion of legal disputes surrounding the gubernatorial election.
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