Members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and that of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State have continued to express apprehension as the Supreme Court reserved judgement on the case between Governor Caleb Mutfwang and Dr Nentawe Yilwatda.
Daily Trust reports that the apex court on Tuesday reserved judgment in the appeal filed by Governor Muftwang of the PDP challenging the judgment of the Court of Appeal nullifying his election just as it reserved judgment in the Delta State governorship election appeals.
Governor Muftwang argued that the appellate court denied him fair hearing in arriving at the November 19, 2024 judgment, which held that the PDP failed to conduct valid congresses as ordered by courts.
The appellate court voided Muftwang’s votes and affirmed Yilwatda of the APC as the winner with the second valid votes.
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In the lead judgment of the appellate court, Justice Elfrieda Williams-Dawodu held that the issue of qualification was both a pre and post-election matter under Section 177(c) of the Nigerian Constitution, 1999 and Section 80 and 82 of the Electoral Act, 2022.
Following the hearing of the case on Tuesday, both parties in the state have been expressing cautious optimism of victory, each arguing that the judgment will favour their respective sides.
Speaking after the hearing on Tuesday, the APC Publicity Secretary, Sylvanus Namang, said “We have the state of fair hearing. Whenever, a case favours the PDP, it will say, it is fair. But if it goes otherwise, it will cry. The APC is confident of getting favourable judgement at the Supreme Court because we argued well. All questions thrown to APC counsel were properly answered. So, there is no cause for alarm. Nentawe will soon become the governor of Plateau State.”
The PDP on the other hand, through its Plateau South Zonal Chairman, Simon Domle, also said “We are confident with the Supreme Court because our solicitor has defended our case. All questions thrown to him were answered properly. We can now sleep with our two eyes closed. We are pleased with the argument.”
But residents have continued to express fear that hoodlums and political thugs may want to take advantage of the uncertainty the waiting period may bring to carry out their nefarious acts.
They, however, call for calm as the police and other security agencies in the state deploy more personnel and vehicles to strategic locations in Jos, the state capital to forestall breakdown of law and order after the judgment.
Azi Peter, a resident, said it was unfortunate that there is tension in the state capital because of the case, adding that “This is a normal court case. This is part of the election process. All the candidates are Plateau people. So, I call on our people to remain calm. It is not a do or die affair.
Ibrahim Ibrahim, another resident also called on the residents of the state to stay away from any form of violence after the judgement, saying “I call on everyone to remain calm and accept the outcome of the court. The priority of all politicians is their interest. So, they should not disturb themselves or fight because of them.”
Meanwhile, the state Police Commissioner, Okoro J. Alawari has assured citizens of the state of peaceful atmosphere during and after the judgement, calling on all and sundry to cooperate with the police to ensure a peaceful atmosphere in the state.
The police commissioner however emphasised the importance of maintaining law and order, urging all residents of the state to remain calm, law-abiding.
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