Plateau: Fate of Ousted PDP Lawmakers Sealed by Appellate Court Decision

• Lawyers assert the irreversible fate of dismissed PDP lawmakers despite optimism following Supreme Court ruling in favor of Governor Mutfwang
• Senior lawyers emphasize that the Court of Appeal’s verdict on the PDP lawmakers is final, leaving no room for appeal

Lawyers have asserted that the future of the dismissed lawmakers affiliated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is irreversibly determined by the recent Court of Appeal judgment. This conclusion persists despite their sentiments towards the Supreme Court’s endorsement of Caleb Mutfwang as the state governor.

The Supreme Court’s ruling, which reinstated Governor Mutfwang after the appellate court nullified his election due to the PDP’s failure to conduct proper congresses as mandated by a high court, has significant implications.

Previously, the Court of Appeal had ousted all PDP lawmakers from the state, including two senators, five House of Representatives members, and 16 State Assembly members, citing the same grounds.

The Court of Appeal, the ultimate arbiter for national and state houses of assembly elections, faces the ultimate challenge in governorship and presidential elections, with the Supreme Court holding the final say.

However, following Friday’s Supreme Court judgment, declaring that neither the election tribunal nor the appellate court had jurisdiction over the PDP’s internal matters, reports emerged that the dismissed lawmakers insisted the apex court’s decision invalidated their removal.

Joe Philip Gwom, a legislator from Barkin Ladi LGA, expressed optimism, stating, “I am returning to the House of Assembly, as the Supreme Court’s pronouncement supersedes the Court of Appeal.”

Similarly, Bala Fwanje from Mangu LGA exclaimed, “The Supreme Court has given us victory. Our triumph is restored. The judgment means my seat is not lost.”

Contrary to these expectations, senior lawyers, in interviews with Daily Trust, emphasized that the fate of the PDP lawmakers is sealed, and they cannot benefit from the Supreme Court judgment.

Dayo Akinlaja (SAN) asserted that the sacked PDP lawmakers have been effectively ‘short-changed,’ with no room for appeal or review against the Court of Appeal decisions. “There is nothing for them to do but rue their misfortunes until another opportunity to contest presents itself,” he added.

Tawo Eja Tawo (SAN) echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the Court of Appeal is the final court, leaving no recourse to the Supreme Court. He criticized the Plateau State House of Assembly Speaker’s refusal to accept the APC lawmakers, returned by the Court of Appeal judgment, as an audacious disregard for court orders.

Habibu Musa Muhammad, a Plateau-based lawyer, pointed out that Section 246 of the Constitution designates the Court of Appeal as the appellate court of last resort for election disputes, implying no appeal can arise after its decision.

The legal experts underscored the importance of respecting court decisions, regardless of subsequent developments, emphasizing that the Court of Appeal’s verdict remains valid within its jurisdiction.