Full List Of Governors Court Has Sacked Soo Far

The 2023 general election in Nigeria has etched itself into the nation's political history.

It was also characterized by unprecedented dynamism and significant youth participation.

Unlike the traditional narrative dominated by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the primary opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), this election witnessed the emergence of influential third forces, namely the Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), challenging the established order.

These parties achieved notable victories, securing governorship and national/state assembly seats.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has demonstrated impartiality and credibility as the electoral umpire, contributing to this significant shift in the political landscape.

Despite criticisms levelled at INEC and the judiciary, the election marked a departure from the norm.

Approximately nine months after the governorship election, the judiciary nullified the victories of at least four governors.

The affected governors are:

Alex Otti (Labour Party):

• Sacked by the Federal High Court in Kano due to the failure of the Labour Party to submit its members' list to INEC 30 days before the election.
• The Court of Appeal in Kano later dismissed the lower court's judgment, upholding Otti's candidature and that of other Labour Party candidates.

Abba Kabir Yusuf (NNPP):

• The Kano state governor had his victory overturned by the tribunal, declaring Nasir Yusuf Gawuna as the authentic winner. The tribunal invalidated 165,663 votes for not being signed or stamped by INEC.
• Governor Yusuf appealed his sacking, and the Court of Appeal in Abuja was expected to deliver its verdict.

Abdullahi Sule (APC):

• The governorship tribunal in Lafia sacked the Nasarawa state governor and declared David Ombugadu of the PDP as the winner.
• Two judges agreed that Governor Sule did not win the election.
• Governor Sule appealed the judgment, awaiting a decision by the end of November.

Dauda Lawal (PDP):

• The PDP governor of Zamfara state had his election declared inconclusive by the Court of Appeal in Abuja. The appellate court ordered a rerun in three local governments – Maradun, Birnin Magaji, and Bukuyun – following a petition by Bello Matawalle and the APC.

The series of judicial interventions has created tensions in Kano and Plateau states, historically known for religious, ethnic, and political crises, adding complexity to the political landscape.