The recent Supreme Court ruling confirming the elections of various state governors, including Mr. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, has continued to stir significant reactions across the country. While the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Jos initially upheld Mutfwang’s victory, the Court of Appeal (CA) later overturned this decision, a move that the Supreme Court has now reversed.
The CA’s decision to unseat Mutfwang, along with members of the National Assembly and Plateau State House of Assembly, was based on issues arising from the primary elections of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which sponsored their candidacies. However, the Supreme Court has reinstated Mutfwang as the duly elected governor, criticizing the CA justices for delving into pre-election matters beyond their jurisdiction and ignoring clear evidence of compliance with court orders.
This decision has significant implications for Senator Napoleon Bali, who represented Plateau South from July to October 2023 before his removal by the CA. With the Supreme Court upholding Governor Mutfwang’s election, former senators Napoleon Bali, Simon Mwadkwon, and members of the House of Representatives and Plateau State House of Assembly, who were dismissed by the CA on similar grounds, now see a glimmer of hope.
Senator Bali, in an interview with Sunday Times, mentioned considering legal options, including returning to court to seek redress for the perceived injustice. He also mentioned a grassroots effort in his Plateau South senatorial district to recall Senator Simon Bako Lalong, the immediate past Minister of Labour and Employment, who replaced him following the CA’s decision. Bali claims to have defeated Lalong, a former governor of Plateau State from 2015 to 2023 and the Director General of Tinubu’s Presidential Campaign Organisation, by a significant margin in the senatorial race.
According to Senator Bali, there is widespread dissatisfaction among the constituents of Plateau South, with efforts underway to collect signatures for Lalong’s recall. He emphasized the need to challenge the judiciary and INEC in this process.
The Supreme Court’s judgment has not only reinstated Governor Mutfwang but also cast a spotlight on the legal processes and interpretations that affect electoral outcomes in Nigeria. Senator Bali expressed renewed confidence in the judiciary following the apex court’s decision, praising its adherence to the law and the 2022 Electoral Act. He also appreciated the free hand given by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and President Bola Tinubu in allowing the judiciary to function independently. Bali sees the ruling as a reinforcement of his patriotism and commitment to ensuring Nigeria becomes a better place.
