The Supreme Court of Nigeria has affirmed the election of Dauda Lawal as the governor of Zamfara state, ending a long legal battle with the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

The apex court on Friday dismissed the appeal filed by the APC, which challenged the validity of Lawal’s candidacy and the conduct of the governorship election in March 2023.

The court ruled that the APC had no locus standi to question Lawal’s nomination by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as it did not participate in the election due to its failure to conduct valid primaries.

The court also held that the election was free and fair, and that Lawal had satisfied the constitutional requirement of securing the highest number of votes and 25 percent of votes in two-thirds of the local government areas in the state.

The ruling was greeted with jubilation by Lawal’s supporters, who thronged the streets of Gusau, the state capital, to celebrate his victory.

A group of civil society organizations, under the banner of the Hope Arewa Development Initiative (HADI), described the ruling as a triumph for the masses of Zamfara, who have suffered from years of insecurity, poverty and underdevelopment.

Lawal: A Godsent Leader

HADI’s national coordinator, Adamu Mohammed, said Lawal was a Godsent leader who had brought hope and positive change to the state in his seven months in office.

He said Lawal had implemented various policies and programs that had improved the security, economy, education, health and infrastructure of the state.

Mohammed cited the establishment of the Zamfara State Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which had brokered peace deals between warring factions and reduced the spate of banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling in the state.

He also praised Lawal’s efforts to boost the agricultural sector, create jobs, empower women and youths, and provide social welfare for the vulnerable.

Mohammed said Lawal had shown his commitment to good governance, transparency and accountability, by initiating reforms in the civil service, the judiciary and the local government administration.

He said Lawal had also fostered unity and harmony among the people of Zamfara, irrespective of their political, religious or ethnic affiliations.

Lawal Extends Olive Branch

In his reaction to the ruling, Lawal thanked the Supreme Court for upholding justice and the will of the people.

He also thanked his party, the PDP, for giving him the opportunity to serve the state.

Lawal said he dedicated his victory to God and the people of Zamfara, who had given him their mandate and support.

He appealed to his opponents to accept the verdict and join hands with him to move the state forward.

Moreover, he said he was ready to work with all stakeholders, including the federal government, the traditional rulers, the religious leaders, the civil society and the media, to address the challenges facing the state.

He stated that his administration was open to constructive criticism and suggestions, and that he would continue to listen to the voice of the people.

Finally, he urged the people of Zamfara to remain peaceful, law-abiding and supportive of his government, as he strives to fulfill his campaign promises and deliver dividends of democracy to them.

Source: Vanguard