The Supreme Court is set to deliver judgment on the Rivers state governorship election tussle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Tonye Cole of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The verdict comes after the five-man panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, reserved judgment on the appeal filed by the APC and Cole. The judgment is scheduled to be delivered on Wednesday, January 31.
The dispute stems from the March 18 governorship election in Rivers, where Fubara emerged as the winner with 302,614 votes, defeating Cole, who garnered 95,274 votes. Unsatisfied with the outcome, Cole approached the court, alleging rigging and stating that the governor was not eligible to contest the election because he was still serving as the accountant general of the state at the time.
Cole maintains that Fubara’s actions violated the Constitution, as he should have first resigned before running for governor. The APC candidate previously lost his case against Fubara at both the Rivers state governorship election petition tribunal and the Court of Appeal.
The Supreme Court’s judgment is expected to resolve the lingering tension in Rivers state and determine the fate of the governorship. The decision will have significant implications for both the PDP and APC in the state, as well as the political landscape of Nigeria as a whole.
The outcome of this case will not only impact the current government but will also shape the interpretation and application of electoral laws in future elections. As the country awaits the Supreme Court’s verdict, the attention of the nation remains focused on the impending judgment and the potential implications for the parties involved.
The discontent surrounding this election dispute highlights the importance of maintaining integrity and adhering to constitutional requirements in electoral processes. The judgment will not only bring a resolution to this particular case but will also serve as a precedent for similar disputes in the future. The decision will ultimately determine whether Fubara will retain his position as the governor of Rivers or if a new election will be conducted.
Citizens and observers alike eagerly anticipate the Supreme Court’s ruling, as it will undoubtedly shape the political climate in Rivers state and influence the trajectory of Nigerian politics moving forward. All eyes will be on the apex court on Wednesday, January 31, as the nation eagerly awaits the outcome of this high-stakes decision.
