The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate during the gubernatorial election in Plateau state, Nentawe Yilwatda, has finally extended his congratulations to his political rival, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, following Friday’s Supreme Court judgement.

Mr Yilwatda shared the congratulatory message on his official X account on Friday.

While expressing his congratulations to Gov. Mutfwang, Mr Yilwatda thanked his followers for their peaceful conduct. 

“Finally, we have reached the final destination of the 2023 General Election process, and we accept the decision of the Supreme Court with humility and gratitude to God.” 

“While I congratulate my elder brother, HE Caleb Mutfwang, I must appreciate and commend the peaceful and calm disposition of our supporters,” he said.

Mr Yilwatda, who initially refused to congratulate the Governor following his victory in the March 18 2023 elections, had vowed to challenge his opponent’s win in court.

The Plateau governorship election petition tribunal considered the case and affirmed Mr Mutfwang’s victory.  

Unsatisfied with the judgement, Mr Yilwada proceeded to appeal the case at the Appeal Court, where he contested Mr Mutfwang’s sponsorship by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal in November 2023 ruled that Mr Yilwada, who scored 481,370 votes against his opponent’s 525,299 votes, was the winner of the March 18, 2023 elections. 

The Apex’s ruling on Friday brings an end to the prolonged debate concerning the PDP’s structure in the state and the admissibility of pre-election issues at the Apex court. 

According to Justice Helen Ogunwumiju, “It was very wrong for the Court of Appeal to go into the issue of party congresses. To make matters worse, the party challenging the issue is another party.”