Plateau Lawmakers’ Fate Ignites Demand for Electoral Act Amendment After Supreme Court Verdict

The recent ruling by the Supreme Court, overturning the sack of Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang by the Court of Appeal, has reignited demands for amendments to the Electoral Act. The controversy emerged from the wide-reaching November judgment that dismissed all 16 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members in the Plateau State House of Assembly, sparking public outcry over perceived political injustice.

Notably, the Appeal Court’s decisions on cases stemming from the 2023 general elections extended beyond the state assembly, affecting five PDP members in the House of Representatives, two senators, and Governor Caleb Mutfwang. While Mutfwang found relief in the Supreme Court, the fate of federal and state lawmakers remained sealed, with the Supreme Court asserting that issues of nomination are internal party matters and not justiciable.

Justice Inyang Okoro expressed concern about the repercussions of the Appeal Court’s decisions, stating, “A lot of people have suffered… It was absolutely wrong.” Other justices, including Helen Ogunwunmiju and Emmanuel Agim, criticized the Appeal Court’s jurisdiction, emphasizing that sponsorship of candidates is an internal affair of political parties.

Senior lawyer Chief Mike Ozekhome accused the Appeal Court of depriving Plateau State citizens of their voting rights, stressing the irreversible damage caused. He suggested a reevaluation of the Electoral Act, proposing that such matters should henceforth go directly to the Supreme Court.

Despite setbacks, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains determined. The party has sent petitions to the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Federal Judicial Service Commission, seeking redress for its members in the Senate, House of Representatives, and Plateau State House of Assembly affected by the Appeal Court’s decisions.

However, legal opinions diverge on the viability of seeking a review from the NJC. While some, like lawyer Abiodun Owonikoko, argue that the NJC cannot review or reverse judgments, others, including human rights lawyer Femi Falana, support exploring alternative legal avenues. Falana calls for a new case in the Federal High Court against the Federal Government for the salaries and allowances of affected legislators.

As discussions unfold, various voices weigh in on potential solutions. Suggestions range from constitutional amendments to allow the Supreme Court to handle legislative election cases to addressing the burden on the apex court by streamlining the process.

In this complex legal discussions, opinions on seeking justice for the affected lawmakers diverge, reflecting the intricate challenges faced in balancing the scales of fairness and justice in Nigeria’s political and judicial arenas.