The Supreme Court erupted in joyous celebration as it affirmed the electoral victories of the governors from Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa States, following the gubernatorial elections held in November 2023.
The proceedings commenced with the Bayelsa State case, where a five-member panel unanimously confirmed Governor Duoye Diri’s victory, much to the delight of his supporters from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Leading the panel, Justice Lawal Garba dismissed the appeal lodged by Timipre Sylva, the candidate from the All Progressive Congress (APC), reinforcing the decision made by the Court of Appeal on July 15, which had previously rejected the appeal for being meritless and an abuse of judicial process.
Referring to a provision in the 1999 Constitution, the Supreme Court emphasized that the APC candidate was entitled to only a single appeal regarding the Tribunal’s judgment, rather than multiple submissions. Consequently, the Court criticized Sylva for submitting two appeal notices to the Appellate Court.
Justice Garba remarked, “The appellant has not substantiated any of the claims in the petition. In addressing the issues, the lower court correctly referenced our prior judgment, declaring it an abuse of court process to file two appeals on a single matter.”
He concluded, “I believe the Court of Appeal was correct; once a notice of appeal is filed, the right afforded is exhausted. Thus, I rule in favor of the respondent against the appellant. This appeal constitutes an abuse of court process.”
The Supreme Court also rejected an appeal from the National Rescue Movement and its candidate, Micah Akeems, regarding the recent governorship election in Bayelsa State, ruling it to be without merit due to its basis in pre-election allegations concerning false information.
Following the ruling, Governor Diri’s supporters, adorned in traditional Niger Delta attire, celebrated exuberantly outside the court.
A similar wave of joy swept through the court as the Supreme Court upheld the election of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, prompting his supporters, donned in red caps, to cheer loudly in the court premises.
In a unanimous decision, the five-member panel dismissed the appeal presented by the PDP and its candidate, Samuel Anyawu, reinforcing that the appeal lacked merit and was therefore denied.
In the lead judgment by Justice Mohammed Baba Idris, the Court resolved all matters raised in the appeal against the appellants.
Additionally, the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal from the Labour Party and its candidate, Athan Achonu, for similar reasons of meritlessness.
Justice Idris ruled against the appellants, who were petitioners in the election tribunal, asserting that they failed to provide sufficient evidence to support their case.
Meanwhile, supporters of Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo celebrated with the most enthusiasm after the Supreme Court upheld his victory, marking a day of significant triumph for the governors involved.
