Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has characterized the recent verdict of the Appeal Court, which unseated him as governor, as a “temporary setback.” In a statement conveyed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, Governor Mutfwang asserted that this setback will not hinder his commitment to steering the state towards unity, peace, and progress.
Despite the court’s decision, Governor Mutfwang urged citizens and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to remain calm, expressing confidence that, with the legal appeal initiated at the Supreme Court, his mandate would ultimately be preserved and protected.
“He expressed strong optimism that the mandate overwhelmingly given to him by the people of Plateau State would be restored, as he has instructed his legal team to file an appeal at the Supreme Court,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state celebrated the appellate court’s decision. Party enthusiasts gathered in various areas of the Tudun Wada Ring Road in the Jos North Local Government Area, expressing their joy through lively celebrations featuring musical instruments and danceable tunes.
The recent ruling by the Appeal Court, led by Justice Elfrieda Williams-Dawodu, directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue a Certificate of Return to the APC candidate, Nentawe Goshwe. Justice Williams-Dawodu set aside the Tribunal’s judgment that confirmed Governor Mutfwang’s election, deeming it highly incompetent.
According to the court, the tribunal’s decision to dismiss the petition filed by the APC and its candidate, arguing that they had no business meddling in the affairs of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was deemed in breach of Section 177 of the 1999 Constitution as amended and Section 134 (C) of the Electoral Act.
