The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has described the verdict of the Appeal Court that nullified his election as a temporary setback that will not deter him from repositioning the state.
The Appeal Court on Sunday ruled that Mutfwang, of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), was not validly nominated and sponsored by his party during the election.
The court held that the PDP violated a court order to conduct a valid Congress in the state’s 17 Local Government Areas.
The court also held that the issue of qualification is both a pre-election and a post-election matter contrary to the tribunal’s findings, which held that the appellant lacked the locus to contest the validity of the respondent.
However, Mutfwang has expressed optimism that the mandate overwhelmingly given to him by the citizens would be restored.
The Governor has instructed his legal team to file an appeal at the Supreme Court and has admonished citizens of the state and PDP supporters to remain calm.
He stressed that as long as God remains on the throne, the people’s mandate will be preserved and protected, reiterating his commitment to the rule of law, while assuring the people that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
“We have unwavering faith in the judiciary and the Constitution of Nigeria,” Mutfwang added.