It was wild, wild jubilations from Kano to commercial capital Lagos; from coastal city of calabar to Ahiara market in Abia state as the Supreme Court in a marathon brought to conclusion electoral legal issues surrounding the 2023 governorship elections in eight states of the federation.

It was a different stroke for their challengers who engaged in snatching of teeth and were consoled by their supporters with words of encouragement: Better luck next time. In the landmark judgments the Court of Appeal suffered a bloodied nose as the Supreme Court frown at the quality of their judgments and in actual fact reversed some of them with unfavourable comments for the judges.

Unfortunately, some of the judgements upturned by the Supreme Court on Friday have been used as the premise to terminate the political ambitions of several persons especially in Plateau state. The Supreme Court had ruled that the issue of who becomes the candidate of a political party is an internal affairs of the political party.

Supporters trooped to the streets and in some instances disturbed the peace of their states momentarily as reactions continued to trail the outcome of the judgements in which the apex court ruled to affirm the Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, Fran­cis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, Abba Yusuf of Kano, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara state, Alex Otti of Abia State and Bassey Otu of Cross Rivers State as the duly elected Governors of their respective states of the March 18th governorship election which was met with long legal procedures right from tribunal to supreme courts.

Reacting to the apex Court’s judgement, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed his happiness with the affirmation, describing as the revalidation of people’s trust and confidence in his government. According to him, the ruling was an avenue for him to work with his opposition as he extended open arms to them. The statement he wrote reads, “I’m grateful for the Supreme Court’s affirmation of my election as Governor of Lagos State.

“An affirmation that revalidates the trust and confidence our people have placed in our vision for a greater Lagos. Thank you all for your unwavering support.

““Like I always say, there are no victors and no vanquished. I invite those still on the fence to join our train of progressive governance. We run an inclusive government and do not claim a monopoly of ideas.

“Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and I are privileged to have been elected to serve at this auspicious moment in the history of our state. Let’s continue working together to build a Lagos that thrives, progresses, and uplifts every resident.”The journey continues, and our commitment remains steadfast”

Also reacting to his victory at the supreme court, Caleb Mutfwang, the governor of Plateau State, expressed his satisfaction with the judgement, commending the judiciary for bringing justice to the country.

The governor also indicated that since the dust of the legal battles has settled, he is ready to work with the opposition.

Congratulating the governor, the PDP presidential presidential candidate in the last general election, Atiku Abubakar stated that Mutfwang’s victory is significant to the high standards of the party. “The Supreme Court’s ruling ensures the continuation of the high standards of governance that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has established in the

“I call upon Governors SenBalaMohammed of Bauchi, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Barr. Caleb Muftwang of Plateau, and Pastor Pastor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom to view their Supreme Court victories as chances to solidify further and broaden the impressive governance they have already been providing.

“With the election phase now behind us, I am confident that the PDP will concentrate on its critical role as the principal opposition party in Nigeria, guided by its capable governors and myself.”

More Nigerians React to Supreme Court Judgements

Nigerian from all works of life have reacted to the unprecedented number of court judgements shunned out by the Supreme Court on Friday.

Governor of Bauchi State in his X handle said:”In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful, I offer all praises to Allah for our victory. This triumph belongs to the people of Bauchi State and our esteemed party, the
PDP.

“On behalf of my family and myself, I express deep gratitude to all our stakeholders who joined us in this journey, particularly our religious and faith leaders, political associates, friends, and well-wishers. This victory reaffirms that the good work in Bauchi State must go onl”.

Senator Shehu Sani, a former Kaduna state senator, congratulated Yusuf on his X account. He said, “Congratulations to Governor Abba Yusuf for the Supreme Court victory.”

Reacting to the judgement on the Kano State governorship election in his X account, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) said:“They’ve affirmed Kano for NNPP not because wanted to but because they dread the consequences! #RevolutionNow #NoGreeForAnybody”

Bashir Ahmad, a media aide to former President Muhammadu Buhari, said: “Following the Supreme Court’s declaration of Abba Kabir Yusuf as the duly elected Governor of Kano State, let’s hope this verdict brings the best for our state, Kano, and its citizens. With Gov. Abba Yusuf now firmly in office, without distractions from any quarter, we are only expecting the best from him as we look forward to his effective governance. May Allah (SWT) guide him to be a fair and just leader for all the people of Kano.”

Aisha Yesufu, a political commentator, said: “Supreme Court did right with Kano. NNPP won the election. The mandate of the people must at all times be allowed to be.”

Another X user, Dipo Awojide, said, “NNPP wins Kano. PDP wins Bauchi. APC wins Lagos. Democracy is not in danger today. God bless PDAPCNNPP.

“NNPP retains Kano. APC will seek to work with Kwankwaso and NNPP in 2027. Power goes back to the North in 2031 so he can slug it out with Kashim Shettima, Nasir El Rufai and Nuhu Ribadu when the time comes – all things being equal,” he added.

“Today is a peaceful and joyful day for the majority of the people in Kano state. They voted for @Kyusufabba as their supreme leader to govern the state with respect, dedication & honesty. Unlike the previous government, he will lead by example & not destroy the state’s economy,” another user, Prince Hassan, said on X.