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The Supreme Court has deferred judgment on the appeal filed by Tonye Cole, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), challenging the victory of Governor Siminalayi Fubara in Rivers State. The five-member panel, led by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, reserved judgment after all parties involved adopted their briefs of arguments.
Cole asserts irregularities and non-compliance with the Electoral Act during the March 18, 2023, governorship election. He also argues that Governor Fubara remained the state’s Accountant-General after his nomination as the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Despite the Appeal Court’s dismissal of Cole’s appeal for insufficient evidence, the Supreme Court resumed hearing, highlighting the contention over compliance with electoral laws. Jibrin Okutepa, counsel to Tonye Cole, presented the case, emphasizing the alleged irregularities.
Joseph Daudu, counsel to the PDP in Rivers State, disagrees with Cole’s claims, setting the stage for a legal battle over the outcome of the governorship election.
Additionally, the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal of Innocent Ekwu, the governorship candidate of the Allied People’s Movement, after its withdrawal. The apex court is expected to handle more appeals, potentially dismissing some and reserving judgment in others in the upcoming sessions.
