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By Iheanyi Chukwudi
The Supreme Court judgment today that affirmed the election of Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has thrown up violent protest in the state capital, Lafia.
Already, the Lafia -Jos road has been completely blocked by angry protesters who made burn-fire with tires along the road.
Motorists are said to be negotiating alternative routes to get out of Lafia the State capital.
Economic and social activities including schools in the city have abruptly closed while people gather their children families for safety.
The Supreme Court, had in it's judgment, affirmed the Court of Appeal judgement that voided the nullification of the election of Governor Sule, who is of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a unanimous decision by a five-member panel, the apex court upheld the declaration of Sule as winner of the governorship election that was held in the state on March 18, 2023.
The apex court in the lead judgment delivered by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, dismissed as lacking in merit, the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and its candidate, David Ombugadu.
The Nasarawa State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, in a two-to-one split judgment delivered on October 2, 2023, nullified Governor Sule’s election and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to issue a fresh Certificate of Return to PDP Ombugadu.
The tribunal held that it was satisfied that Governor Sule was a beneficiary of over-voting that occurred in several polling units in the state during the said election.
But following an appeal that by Governor Sule and APC, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, on November 23, reversed his sack and vacated the decision of the tribunal.
Meanwhile, residents are said to have called for the deployment of more security operatives to restore peace and order in the state.
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