By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Sunday shook the political terrain by nullifying the election of Governor Caleb Muftwang in Plateau State.
The three-member panel delivered a unanimous decision, asserting that Muftwang’s candidacy under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) did not comply with Section 285(2) of the Nigerian Constitution.
The court, in favor of Nentawe Goshwe from the All Progressives Congress (APC), deemed the issue of qualification a matter both preceding and succeeding the election, citing Section 177(c) of the Nigerian Constitution, 1999, and Sections 80 and 82 of the Electoral Act, 2022.
In concurring with the appellant, Goshwe, the panel emphasized the PDP’s failure to adhere to court orders, specifically from the Plateau State High Court and the Court of Appeal. These directives mandated the PDP to conduct valid ward, local government, and state congresses before nominating candidates for elective posts.
The panel rebuked the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal’s judgment, labeling it “highly inconsistent and a breach of fair hearing” for relying on expunged witness statements to dismiss Goshwe’s appeal