There is tension across several states in Nigeria as the Supreme Court prepares to deliver its final verdicts on contested governorship elections.
While the electoral processes in many states concluded without significant controversy, others remain embroiled in legal battles that have reached the apex court.
Governorship polls across 28 states in March 2023 sparked disputes in some, with aggrieved candidates challenging the results in tribunals and the Court of Appeal. Now, all eyes turn towards the Supreme Court, where the fate of contested elections in states like Kano, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Delta, Bauchi, and Plateau will be determined.
The main contenders in these legal battles are the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
In Nasarawa, the PDP believes their candidate, David Emmanuel Ombugadu, has a strong chance if the Supreme Court adheres to the merits of the case, rather than technicalities. Security personnel have been deployed to potential flashpoints in anticipation of any reactions to the verdict.
In Delta, uncertainty reigns among PDP faithful regarding the interpretation of Section 137 of the constitution. Their concerns stem from the alleged covert support for former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege (APC) by a prominent PDP figure, now said to have influence within the presidency. However, a PDP chieftain, Sylvester Imonina, dismissed these claims as wishful thinking by the APC, citing past Supreme Court rulings in support of his argument.
Plateau State, plagued by recent killings and general insecurity, has seen increased security presence ahead of the verdict. Residents express both apprehension about potential escalation and relief regarding the security deployment.
Kano, another volatile state, there is also anxiety among both the APC and the NNPP. While APC supporters remain tight-lipped, a party insider confided in their confidence due to victories at the tribunal and appeal court. Security measures have been implemented, with further deployment expected upon announcement of the court date.
In Kaduna, some opposition women supporters, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed their intention to defect to the APC if the Supreme Court favours Governor Uba Sani. They cite his confident demeanour as a sign of victory and express their desire to be part of the political scene.
“We are just waiting for the Supreme Court ruling so that we can defect to APC because we believe that the court ruling will favour Governor Sani. Even from the governor’s body language, you can see that he is sure of victory at the apex court. We cannot remain outside political happenings and die of hunger,” Saturday Sun quoted them as saying.
Security has been heightened in the state since the initial court rulings in favour of the APC and its candidate.
Meanwhile, both the APC and the PDP express confidence in their respective positions. APC spokesperson Felix Morka remains optimistic about victory, while PDP Deputy National Legal Adviser Okechukwu Osuoha have urged the Supreme Court to deliver justice in favour of the PDP candidates.
Osuoha said, “We are expectant. We are looking up to the judiciary, the Supreme Court Justices, that they will rise up to the occasion and deliver justice in the matters. You know that it is opinion of the people that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man.
“And today the matter has gotten to the highest court of the land. So everybody expects them to do the needful and deliver justice.”
