As Nasarawa indigenes and indeed supporters on both sides of the divide, the All Progressive Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) top contending parties in the 2023 governorship election in the State are anxiously awaiting the out come of the reserved Supreme court judgement, billed for today, Friday.
David Ombugadu of the PDP, is challenging the victory of Abdullahi Sule of the APC in the February 2023 governorship elections in the state.
The case has progressed from the election tribunal to the court of appeal and now supreme court.
The Apex court had previously reserved judgement on the determination of the case last Monday for Friday.
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When BusinessDay went round Lafia the state capital, a detachment of police patrol was displaying armoured vehicles with stern looking operatives, straddling open jeeps in combat gear, armed to the teeth in what is often described in security circles as ‘show of strength’.
This parade is aimed to ward off potential trouble makers and also meant to send a warning to would-be rioters that agencies are fully on ground and on top of the situation, to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
The convoy went round the entire Lafia town several times, passing the ominous message of preparedness.
The people of Lafia themselves are in sombre mood, not knowing what to expect.
Some are resigned to fate, thinking that what will be, will be.
A supporter of the PDP, who preferred anonymity in a chat with BusinessDay is however, optimistic that his party, and the candidate, David Ombugadu will emerge victorious.
He hinges his optimism on similar judgement passed in neighbouring Plateau State where PDP won at the supreme Court.
Some PDP members are however, not as optimistic, concluding that it is not easy to unseat an incumbent governor in Nigeria.
Many others have adopted a wait-and-see attitude.
The ruling APC, are more inclined to believe that nothing can up turn the governor’s mandate. They have a firm believe in the power of incumbency.
An APC member, who simply wishes to be known as Adamu, said “no shaking Abdullahi Sule will remain the governor of Nasarawa, as the supreme court pass final verdict in the next few hours”.
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In another chat with our Correspondent, a proprietor of a private nursery and primary School in Lafia the state capital, said she has already directed that the facility be closed down, fearing a break down of law and order, in case the judgement goes against some vested interests.
When ask to name the so called vested interests, she kept mute.
All across beer parlours and drinking ‘joints’ in Lafia, the reserved judgement is a hot topic as the State awaits the final verdict in the next few hours with anxiety.
The die is now cast as Nasarawa awaits for the Supreme court to determine who will emerge victorious as the number one citizen of the solid mineral state.
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