An air of suspense looms among party loyalists as the Supreme Court prepares to deliver judgments in 13 governorship appeals across six states today.
The governors of Nasarawa, Rivers, Delta, Gombe, Ogun, and Kebbi states await the apex court’s decision on whether they will retain their positions. The court has concluded hearings on the appeals, assuring unhindered access for stakeholders. Last week, the court delivered judgments on eight governorship appeals, arising from the decisions of the Court of Appeal. Today’s rulings will determine the outcome of both challenged and affirmed governorship elections.
The anxiety extends to Rivers State, where residents await the Supreme Court’s judgment on the 2023 governorship election. The APC’s Tonye Cole has contested Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s victory. Tensions run high between the PDP and APC members, with the judgment potentially impacting the ongoing political rivalry between Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.
A similar atmosphere of anticipation prevails in Delta State, where the Supreme Court hears appeals challenging Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s victory. The appellants, including APC’s Ovie Omo-Agege, contest the previous judgments affirming Oborevwori’s election.
Unease blankets Ogun State’s three senatorial districts ahead of the Supreme Court’s judgment on the disputed 2023 governorship election. The state awaits the apex court’s final verdict on the election held on March 18, 2023.
Both the ruling APC and the opposition PDP have maintained silence, refraining from premature discussions about a potential victory. The PDP, led by Hon. ‘Ladi Adebutu, sought to nullify Governor Dapo Abiodun’s victory, alleging disruptions in over 99 polling units in Sagamu Local Government Area. The apex court’s decision is crucial in resolving the uncertainty surrounding the disputed election.
Meanwhile, women groups in Nasarawa State have urged the Supreme Court to deliver an unbiased judgment in the March 18, 2023 governorship election. Representing various civil society groups, Deaconess Lydia Cletus Auta emphasized the importance of the judiciary’s independence.
The women asserted that a judgment deviating from the popular vote for David Ombugadu would face resistance. They called for transparency, fairness, and justice in the forthcoming Supreme Court verdict, urging fellow citizens to support their cause.
As the Supreme Court pronounces judgments in these critical cases, the outcomes will significantly shape the political landscape in the affected states, potentially triggering shifts in leadership and influencing the dynamics of state governance.