There is a noticeable sense of unease in the Court of Appeal’s Abuja premises as the court prepares to issue a decision that might make or break the legal dispute over the Zamfara State governorship election.
According to the DAILY POST, Dauda Lawal of the Peoples Democratic Party and Bello Matawale, the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) recent governor of the state, are facing off.
Currently serving as the Minister of State for Defense, Matawale was soundly defeated with over 65,000 votes in the March 18 gubernatorial election.
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In particular, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reported that Matawalle of the APC received 311,976 votes, while Lawal of the PDP received 377,726 votes.
The decision is anticipated to be rendered by a three-member panel of Justices of the Court, chaired by Oyebisi Folayemi and backed by Cordelia Ifeoma Jombo-Ofo and Sybil Nwaka Gbagi.
On September 18, the Zamfara State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal upheld Lawal’s election.
At the time of reporting, the court was well guarded to prevent any potential collapse of law and order following the verdict.
Mobile police officers with heavy weapons are containing a gathering of supporters who stormed the court as early as 8 am.
Friends, supporters, and political acquaintances of the two parties have already crowded the courtroom.
The Justices are waiting for the verdict to be delivered in the interim.