Triumphant Victory: Supreme Court Upholds Wins of 3 Governors Amid Joyful Celebrations

Supreme Court Upholds Wins of 3 Governors Amid Joyful Celebrations

Supporters of governors from Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa states celebrated widely on Friday as the Supreme Court upheld their victories in the November 2023 gubernatorial elections.

The court began by ruling on the Bayelsa State appeal. A five-member panel, led by Justice Lawal Garba, affirmed Governor Duoye Diri’s victory.

The panel dismissed the appeal filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Timipre Sylva, stating that the Court of Appeal’s decision from July 15, which also dismissed the appeal, was correct.

Justice Garba explained that the APC candidate violated the law by filing two notices of appeal for the same issue.

He noted,

“The appellant failed to prove any of the grounds of the petition.”

The court deemed the appeal an abuse of the court process.

The Supreme Court also dismissed the appeal by the National Rescue Movement and its candidate, Micah Akeems, citing that it lacked merit.

Following the ruling, Governor Diri’s supporters, dressed in traditional Niger Delta attire, erupted in joyous celebration outside the court.

In a similar atmosphere, the court upheld Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma’s victory.

Supporters, adorned in red caps, filled the court premises with joyful noise after the five-member panel dismissed the appeal brought by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Samuel Anyawu.

Justice Mohammed Baba Idris delivered the lead judgement, stating that the appeal lacked merit. The court also dismissed the appeal by the Labour Party and its candidate, Athan Achonu, for the same reason.

The most exuberant celebration came from the supporters of Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo. After the court affirmed his victory, they spent 30 minutes cheering and embracing each other.

However, the excitement led to an unfortunate incident. As the supporters celebrated, they attacked the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Muritala Ajaka, throwing objects and water at him as he exited the courtroom.

The Supreme Court had dismissed Ajaka’s appeal, affirming Governor Ododo’s victory in the Kogi gubernatorial election.

In his ruling, Justice Sadiq Umar resolved all issues against the appellant, marking Ajaka’s appeal as without merit.

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State described the Supreme Court’s judgement as a triumph of truth over falsehood.

Speaking after the ruling, Diri said the victory was not just for him but for the people of Bayelsa, whose choice was validated by the courts.

His Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as expressing renewed hope in the judiciary and democracy.

Diri urged Nigerians to remain hopeful for a better future, despite the challenges facing the country.

The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information, Orientation, and Strategy, Ebiowou Koku-Obiyai, echoed this sentiment, calling the victory a cause for joy and vindication for the state.

Doubara Atasi, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, also expressed happiness, saying a praise session was held in the Government House chapel following the verdict.

He described the judgement as a victory for God and democracy, reflecting the joy and relief felt by the supporters.