Supreme Court Reserves Judgment in Nasarawa State Governorship Election Case

The Supreme Court has withheld its judgment in the Nasarawa State governorship appeal brought forth by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its nominee, David Ombugadu.

Headed by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, a five-member panel at the apex court concluded the proceedings on Tuesday, following final submissions from legal representatives. Justice Kekere-Ekun announced that the judgment is reserved, and parties involved will be duly notified when it is prepared for delivery.

The appeal, lodged by the PDP and its candidate, seeks to overturn the November 23, 2023, ruling of the Court of Appeal. This appellate decision had reversed the earlier judgment of the election tribunal, leading to the removal of Governor Abdullahi Sule of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from office in connection to the March 18, 2023 governorship election in the state.

It is noteworthy that on October 2, 2023, the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal had nullified Governor Abdullahi Sule’s victory, declaring David Ombugadu of the PDP as the rightful winner. Dissatisfied with this verdict, the APC and its candidate appealed to the Court of Appeal, which subsequently overturned the tribunal’s decision, affirming the election of the APC candidate. In response, the PDP candidate has now turned to the Supreme Court for the ultimate resolution of the dispute.