In a landmark judgment lasting over seven hours, the Supreme Court reinstated the election victories of eight governors whose victories had faced legal challenges. Notable among them are Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State and Governor Caleb Muftwang of Plateau State, whose elections were initially nullified by the Court of Appeal but reinstated by the Supreme Court.
The judgment also upheld the re-election of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, dismissing challenges from candidates of the Labour Party and Peoples Democratic Party. The court clarified that the prohibitions in the constitution did not apply to Sanwo-Olu's deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, who had dual citizenship.
Additionally, the Supreme Court affirmed the election victories of Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), and others. The court criticized the lower courts for jurisdictional errors and clerical mistakes, emphasizing the need for meticulousness.
This comprehensive judgment brings a resolution to the election disputes, highlighting the Supreme Court's role in affirming democratic processes.
