The Supreme Court yesterday upheld the elections of four state governors: Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) and David Umahi (Ebonyi).
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The second appeal was filed by the PDP, while the third was filed by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, challenging the judgement of the tribunal and the court of appeal.
In arriving at the ruling, the Supreme Court set aside the judgment of the tribunal and the Court of Appeal which had both sacked Wike.
The court gave the ruling validating the April 11 governorship election on Wednesday but did not provide reasons for its judgment.
The decision was by the apex court set aside the December 16, 2015 decision of the Court of Appeal Abuja.
“We have gone through the addresses of all the parties in this matter and the Court holds that the appeal is meritorious”. Though the pronouncement has been made, detailed copy of the verdict would be provided on February 12, 2016.
He said that the Court of Appeal also discarded the evidence of witnesses brought by Wike and PDP due to their misdemeanor.
Following a petition from the APC, Wike’s election had been nullified by an election tribunal on October 24.
During the trek, he told reporters that his victory at the Supreme Court is for the rule of law and the people of Rivers state.
Justice Akaahs, who read the lead judgment, held that the appeal lacked merit and dismissed it.
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The apex court allowed the three appeals and dismissed the objections raised by the All Progressive Congress and its governorship candidate, Dakuku Peterside. “Reasons will be given on Friday, January 29”, Justice Nweze held.
