JUST IN: Supreme Court Upholds Abdullahi Sule’s Governorship Victory in Nasarawa State

The Supreme Court today delivered a unanimous decision, dismissing the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, David Ombugadu, challenging the election victory of Governor Abdullahi Sule in Nasarawa State.

This legal battle originated from the Election Petition Tribunal’s decision on October 2, which nullified Governor Sule’s victory and declared David Ombugadu as the rightful winner of the poll. Subsequently, Governor Sule and the All Progressives Congress (APC) appealed the tribunal’s judgment.

The Court of Appeal, in its ruling on November 23, overturned the tribunal’s verdict, affirming Governor Sule’s election as governor. The appellate court criticized the tribunal for relying on legally inadmissible evidence, specifically highlighting the improper handling of statements on oath by eight PDP witnesses.

Citing constitutional and electoral act provisions, the Court of Appeal emphasized that every written statement on oath must be filed alongside the petition within the stipulated time. Dissatisfied with this decision, the PDP candidate, Umbugadu, took the case to the Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the appellate court’s judgment.

Today’s Supreme Court decision, based on lack of merit, solidifies Governor Abdullahi Sule’s victory, marking a conclusive end to the legal dispute over the Nasarawa State gubernatorial election. No costs were awarded in the unanimous ruling by the panel of justices.