Abba vs Gawuna, and Caleb vs Nentawe… 4 legal battles to look out for at Supreme Court in 2024

In the aftermath of Nigeria’s general elections, a tumultuous political tide surged last year. Legal storms swept the nation, settling numerous disputes while leaving crucial cases in limbo. The Supreme Court now holds the key to unresolved governorship election battles in Kano, Plateau, Nasarawa, and Zamfara states, stirring public intrigue.

Kano State 

Kano, reputed as Nigeria’s most populous state, holds immense electoral significance. Political parties continually grapple for control over this state due to its substantial voting strength. In the 2023 general elections, power in Kano shifted from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Initially, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Abba Yusuf of the NNPP as the winner of the governorship election held on March 18, 2023. However, Nasira Gawuna of the APC, Yusuf’s close contender, challenged the election outcome, alleging electoral malpractices.

Subsequently, the Kano State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal and the Court of Appeal nullified Yusuf’s victory, declaring Gawuna as the winner. At present, the case awaits judgment at the Supreme Court, instilling anxiety amongst Kano State residents and Nigerians who eagerly await the final verdict.

Plateau State

Plateau, another state that experienced a shift in allegiance during the 2023 general elections, witnessed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) emerging victorious. Caleb Mutfwang of the PDP secured 525,299 votes, while Nentawe Goshwe, the APC candidate, garnered 481,370 votes in the March 18 governorship election.

Goshwe contested Mutfwang’s victory at the tribunal, alleging that the governor was not legitimately nominated and sponsored by the PDP and citing non-compliance with the Electoral Act. However, the tribunal dismissed Goshwe’s petition, deeming it devoid of merit and upholding Mutfwang’s victory.

In a consequential ruling in November, the Court of Appeal nullified Mutfwang’s win and ordered the withdrawal of his certificate of return, directing INEC to issue a new one to Goshwe. Nonetheless, the governor has appealed the judgment, and the Supreme Court’s decision now determines the ultimate outcome of the case.

Nasarawa State 

The governorship election in Nasarawa State witnessed Abdullahi Sule of the APC emerge victorious on March 18, 2023. Yet, David Ombugadu, the PDP candidate, contested the election results, asserting that he had secured the majority of votes.

In October, the election tribunal ruled in favor of Ombugadu, declaring him the winner and alleging that the results were manipulated in Sule’s favor. Dissatisfied with the tribunal’s decision, Sule sought recourse from the appeals court, which overturned the tribunal’s ruling in November, deeming it erroneous.

Now, the PDP and its candidate have appealed this decision at the Supreme Court, further extending the legal battle.

Zamfara State 

In Zamfara, Dauda Lawal of the PDP emerged victorious in the March 2023 election with 377,726 votes, defeating Bello Matawalle, the incumbent governor and the candidate of the APC. However, Matawalle challenged the outcome and filed a petition at the tribunal.

Although the tribunal ruled in favor of Lawal, Matawalle and the APC appealed the judgment. Consequently, in November, the Court of Appeal ousted Lawal and ordered fresh elections in specified local government areas. Nevertheless, the PDP has appealed this judgment, hoping for a favorable ruling at the Supreme Court.

These four ongoing cases carry immense weight in their respective states and beyond, significantly shaping the political landscape. Their outcomes as decided by the Supreme Court will determine who governs these states and will undoubtedly influence the future political dynamics in these crucial regions.