Bwacha is no longer a candidate for Taraba APC governor by the Supreme Court
The All Progressives Congress (APCselection )’s of Emmanuel Bwacha as its candidate for governor of Taraba state has been declared invalid by the supreme court.
A five-member panel presided over by Kudirat Kekere-Ekun rendered its decision on Wednesday, upholding the federal high court’s ruling that the APC had not staged a legitimate governorship primary in the state.
Following the verdict, the Bwacha Gubernatorial Campaign Council pleaded with voters and supporters to maintain their composure.
The team described the ruling at the time as a brief setback in a statement released in Jalingo by the Campaign Council’s Director of Media and Publicity, Aaron Arthimas.
“We are aware of the Federal High Court of Nigeria’s decision to annul the Taraba State APC gubernatorial primary.
However, the council calls on all our teaming supporters to remain calm as the development is only a temporary setback.
“The Bwacha Gubernatorial Campaign Council hereby assures everyone that our campaign is open to any option to be decided by the party.
“The National Executive Committee of the party remains the organ empowered by the constitution and the Electoral Act to present candidates for election into various offices.
“While awaiting the decision of NEC of the party, our team of Lawyers will study the judgement after the receipt of the hard copy before deciding on the next line of action,” the statement read.
In September 2022, a federal high court in Jalingo, Taraba state, sacked Bwacha as the APC’s governorship candidate.
David Sabo Kente, one of the aspirants, had filed the suit against Bwacha’s candidature.
Simon Amobeda, the high court judge, had agreed with the plaintiff that no governorship primary was held in Taraba.
The judge condemned the false declaration of results at Danbaba Suntai airport in Jalingo by the returning officer who later reportedly left the country on a private jet.
The judge ordered that a fresh primary should be conducted within 14 days.
However, on November 24, the court of appeal in Yola set aside the judgment of the trial court which sacked Bwacha.
But Kente, through his counsel, Kanu Agabi, filed an appeal before the supreme court.
In its judgment, the apex court held that the court of appeal was wrong to have set aside the decision of the trial court.
Consequently, the apex court allowed the appeal setting aside the judgment of the court of appeal.
