Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa state says he will appeal the judgement of the Governorship Elections Petition Tribunal that invalidated his victory in the March 18 election on Monday.
He acknowledged the tribunal’s decision as a temporary setback and expressed a commitment to learn from it and come back stronger.
Governor Sule maintained that he remains in office until the Supreme Court decides otherwise, citing his legal right to appeal.
He urged his supporters to remain calm and discouraged them from engaging in street protests or responding to opposition, especially on social media.
The tribunal’s split judgment annulled Governor Sule’s election as a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and declared David Ombugadu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the rightful winner.
Justice Ezekiel Ajayi, the tribunal’s chairman, read the majority judgment in favor of David Ombugadu.
Justice Chiemelie Onaga, another panel member, supported the lead judgment.
Justice Ibrahim Mashi delivered the dissenting judgment, dismissing the petition filed by the PDP candidate and upholding Governor Sule’s declaration by the INEC.
