The Presidency has responded to criticisms surrounding the Appeal Court’s decision to sack Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State. Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed claims against the president and the judiciary, asserting that the blame lies squarely with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Onanuga emphasized that the PDP utilized an unlawful caretaker committee to conduct primaries in Plateau State, a move in defiance of a court order. The Appeal Court, subsequently, overturned the verdict of the governorship election tribunal, which had initially upheld Mutfwang’s election.
Dr Nentawe Yilwatda of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was declared the winner of the governorship election, with the court instructing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue a fresh certificate of return to him.
Onanuga drew parallels with the APC’s loss in Zamfara State in 2019 due to illegal primaries, underscoring the significance of complying with electoral laws. In a post titled “The Avoidable Fate of Caleb Mutfwang” on X, he urged critics to recall historical events, stating, “Blame the PDP for the electoral setback, not the APC, the judiciary, INEC, and President Tinubu.”
He further highlighted that non-compliance with electoral laws and the constitution led to the nullification of the election of Kano governor, Abba Yusuf. Onanuga urged those emotional about the ruling to face reality, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law for the nation’s progress.