Jos, the capital of Plateau State, and its surrounding areas are currently filled with jubilant celebrations following the affirmation of Caleb Mutfwang’s election as the Governor of the state by the tribunal. The petition filed by Dr. Nentawe Yilwada of the All Progressives Congress (APC) challenging Mutfwang’s declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been dismissed.
Mutfwang, a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), emerged as the winner of the election with 525,299 votes, defeating his closest rival, Dr. Yiltwatda of the APC, who polled 481,370 votes.
The petitioners alleged that Mutfwang was not qualified to contest the election as he was not validly nominated and sponsored by the PDP, claiming that the party did not have a structure at the time of the election.
However, in its judgment on Friday, the tribunal, presided over by Justice Sunday Olurundahunsi, dismissed the petition for lacking merit. Justice Olurundahunsi affirmed that the PDP had conducted a valid congress in the state on September 25, 2023, nullifying the allegations raised by the petitioners.
The tribunal also emphasized that the issue of nomination and sponsorship is a pre-election matter, further upholding the validity of Mutfwang’s candidacy.
The jubilation among supporters, party faithful, and residents is reminiscent of the excitement that followed Mutfwang’s initial victory when INEC declared him the winner in March. The people believe that the tribunal’s decision has solidified the will of the electorate.
