As the Supreme Court prepares to deliver its verdict in January on petitions challenging Court of Appeal rulings in various states’ governorship elections, palpable anxiety grips party stakeholders and supporters.
In Kano State, tension rises as supporters of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) stage protests and rallies, expressing conflicting views on the Appeal Court’s affirmation of the tribunal’s decision to sack Governor Abba Yusuf and declare Dr Nasiru Gawuna of the APC as the winner. The Kano State Police Commissioner has imposed a ban on protests, and both parties signed a peace accord amid sporadic incidents of violence.
Meanwhile, in Benue State, residents anxiously await the Supreme Court’s decision on the appeal of PDP’s Titus Uba challenging the election of APC’s Hyacinth Alia. Civil servants and retirees are reported to be in prayer for their preferred outcome.
Ogun State witnesses confidence from the PDP in overturning Governor Dapo Abiodun’s victory, while the APC dismisses this as “boastful desperation” and encourages focus on allegations against the opposition. In Lagos, the PDP anticipates victory based on challenging the qualification of Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the APC.
Nasarawa State experiences a contested election outcome as the APC expresses confidence in victory at the Supreme Court, while the PDP emphasizes the evidence they possess for justice.
Similarly, in Bauchi State, the APC remains optimistic about overturning the tribunal and Appeal Court judgments that upheld Governor Bala Mohammed of the PDP, calling on supporters to stay hopeful and prayerful.
With the fate of these governorship elections hanging in the balance, the nation awaits the Supreme Court’s decisions, anticipating resolution in the midst of heightened political tensions.