Appeal Court affirms Simon Lalong’s victory, dismisses PDP’s petition

The Appeal Court in Abuja has upheld the tribunal’s ruling confirming Simon Lalong, the Minister of Labour and Employment, as the Senator representing Plateau South.

A three-judge panel, presided over by Justice Williams Daudu, affirmed the tribunal’s decision regarding the election outcome. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) initially declared Senator Napoleon Bali of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner.

However, the National Assembly and State Election Petitions Tribunal in Jos, on September 11, declared Lalong, an All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, as the Senator-elect for Plateau South, ousting Bali due to irregularities in the PDP primaries that produced him.

The tribunal cited the PDP’s failure to comply with a Jos High Court order mandating the party to conduct ward congresses as the reason for ruling in favor of Lalong and the APC, who filed a petition against the election results.

The Appeal Court upheld the tribunal’s decision on Tuesday, emphasizing that the 1999 Constitution mandates all authorities and individuals to adhere to court orders and judgments, and the PDP’s failure to conduct a valid congress was a crucial factor.

Justice Williams stated, “This appeal is hereby dismissed. The judgment of the Tribunal is hereby affirmed.”

It’s worth noting that President Bola Tinubu has appointed Lalong as a Minister, and the former Governor has already assumed his duties.