Appeal Court Rulings: Sacked Governors and Grounds for Disqualification

In a recent judgment led by Justice Elphreda Williams-Dawodu, the Court of Appeal has mandated the withdrawal of the Certificate of Return from Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State. This decision names Nentawe Goshwe of the All Progressives Congress as the rightful winner of the March 18 governorship election.

This marks the third instance in nine months where state governors have been ousted by courts following contested elections. The full list of sacked governors and the grounds given by the court are detailed below:

Abba Kabir Yusuf (NNPP):

The Election Petitions Tribunal, under Justice Oluyemi Osadebay, invalidated Governor Yusuf’s election, citing 165,663 invalid votes.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld the tribunal’s decision, emphasizing Yusuf’s absence from his party’s membership list.

Abdullahi Sule (APC):

The Nasarawa State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sacked Governor Sule, ordering INEC to revoke his Certificate of Return and award it to David Ombugadu of the PDP.

The tribunal rectified unfair adjustments in votes, based on certified copies of polling unit results.

Dauda Lawal (PDP):

The Court of Appeal declared the Zamfara State governorship election inconclusive, ordering new elections in two local governments, based on Governor Matawalle’s case contesting Lawal’s victory.

Caleb Mutfwang (PDP):

The Court of Appeal, led by Justice Elfrieda Williams-Dawodu, ruled that Governor Mutfwang was not legitimately sponsored by the PDP, citing a failure to comply with a standing High Court order.

Mutfwang, vowing to appeal to the Supreme Court, expressed hope for the reinstatement of his mandate.

As legal battles unfold, the affected governors are determined to contest these decisions, setting the stage for further developments in the ongoing political landscape.