In a landmark ruling, the Governorship Elections Petition Tribunal in Jos has upheld the election victory of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The three-member panel, presiding over the case, delivered their judgment unanimously on Friday, decisively asserting that the petitioner’s claims lacked merit.
Justice Sunday Olorundahunsi, the presiding judge, delivered the comprehensive judgment, effectively dismissing all three grounds presented by the petitioner, who also happened to be the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda.
The election, which was held on March 20, saw the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer in the state, Prof Idris Amali, declare Caleb Mutfwang as the winner. Mutfwang secured 525,299 votes, while his closest rival, Nentawe Yilwatda, garnered 481,370 votes.
The election results revealed a geographical divide as the PDP claimed victory in 10 local government areas (LGAs) that included Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Lantang North, Langtang South, Riyom, Mikang, Mangu, Jos East, Qua’an Pan, and Pokkos. This victory underscored the PDP’s stronghold in several regions of the state.
In contrast, the APC dominated the polls in seven LGAs, namely Jos East, Kanke, Kanam, Pankshin, Shendam, Wase, and Jos North.
This pivotal division showcased the fierce competition between the two major political parties and the diversity of voter preferences across Plateau State.
