Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has expressed dissatisfaction with the Court of Appeal’s decision to nullify his election, claiming that he was treated unfairly and denied a fair hearing in the process. In a statement presented to the Supreme Court by an eight-man team of Senior Advocates of Nigeria led by Kanu Agabi, Mutfwang highlighted several concerns regarding the appellate court’s handling of his case.
Mutfwang asserted that he presented eight crucial points to the Court of Appeal to establish the validity of his election, but only one issue, related to jurisdiction, was addressed. He argued that this contradicted the Supreme Court’s directive for intermediate courts to pronounce on all issues presented before them.
Expressing his plea to the Supreme Court, Mutfwang , Plateau Govt stated, “The law is settled that wherever there is a wrong, there must be a remedy.” He urged the apex court to declare him the validly elected governor of Plateau State.
The Governor’s brief argued that the dismissal of seven issues by the Court of Appeal was a deviation from the standard set by the Supreme Court. He emphasized the importance of considering all issues to provide a comprehensive view for the higher court.
Mutfwang contended that due to the denial of a fair hearing, the Supreme Court should dismiss the judgment of the Court of Appeal that invalidated his election. He emphasized the legal principle that proceedings are rendered null and void when fair hearing is denied.
The Supreme Court is set to hear Mutfwang’s brief on Tuesday, January 9, and he is optimistic that the evidence provided will sufficiently prove that the Court of Appeal’s decision to annul his election was flawed.
In his brief, Mutfwang listed eight reasons why the Supreme Court should validate his election, including issues related to nomination and sponsorship, jurisdiction, compliance with election processes, and the credibility of evidence presented during the case. The Governor’s legal team contends that the lower court’s judgment has caused “unquantifiable magnitude of injustice” to Mutfwang and urges the Supreme Court to allow the appeal, set aside the judgment, and affirm him as the duly elected Governor of Plateau State.
