Plateau state governor, Caleb Mutfwang has instructed to his legal team to appeal the judgment of the appellate court nullifying his election.
In a statement on Sunday in Jos, Mutfwang described the judgment of the appeal court as a temporary setback, saying the mandate given to him by the Plateau people would be restored.
The appeal court, sitting in Abuja on Sunday, set aside the judgement of the election petition which declared Mutfwang as the winner of the March 2023 governorship election in the state.
The appellate court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue a Certificate of Return to Goshwe, candidate of the APC.
The court said the decision of the tribunal to dismiss the petition filed by the APC and its candidate on the ground that they had no business meddling in the affairs of the PDP on which platform Mutfwang was elected, is in breach of Section 177 of the 1999 Constitution as amended and Section 134 (C) of the Electoral Act.
However, the statement signed by Gyang Bere, spokesperson to the governor, called on the people of the state calm, assuring that “as long as God remains on the throne, the mandate of the people will be preserved and protected.”
The statement reads, “Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh 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 on the path of Unity, Peace and Progress.
“He expressed strong optimism that the mandate overwhelmingly given to him by the people of Plateau State would be restored, as he has instructed his legal team to file an appeal at the Supreme Court.
“Governor Mutfwang admonished citizens of the state and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to remain calm and assured them that as long as God remains on the throne, the mandate of the people will be preserved and protected.
“He reiterated his commitment to the rule of law and assured the people that there is light at the end of the tunnel, as he has unwavering faith in the judiciary and the constitution of Nigeria.
“Governor Mutfwang appealed to supporters, as well as citizens of the state to maintain law and order.
“He affirmed that Plateau will be victorious to the glory of God and reassured of his commitment to continually to serve the state with dedication and integrity.”
