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.

Treasure Orokpo

A multi-talented individual with a passion for diverse fields, Treasure Orokpo is a trained journalist, skilled cook, and AI enthusiast. When she's not uncovering the latest stories, you can find her whipping up culinary creations in the kitchen and entertainment.

Recent Posts

Probe panel: Ortom defeats Benue state govt at appeal court

The Court of Appeal, Makurdi Division, on Thursday set aside the ruling of the Benue…

8 hours ago

Police take action over murder of lawyer Mark Ofikwu in Otukpo

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the tragic killing of prominent Otukpo-based lawyer and…

9 hours ago

BREAKING: Reps reject bill proposing six-year single tenure for president, governors

A bill proposing a six-year single term for the office of the president and state…

11 hours ago

BREAKING: Senate approves Tinubu’s ₦1.77 Trillion loan request to address 2024 Budget deficit

The Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s ₦1.77 trillion ($2.2b) loan request following a voice…

11 hours ago

Finland arrests Simon Ekpa, four others over terrorism financing

Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader, Simon Ekpa, and four others have been arrested in Finland for involvement…

11 hours ago

BREAKING: Biafra: Simon Ekpa arrested in Finland

Finnish-Nigerian separatist agitator, Simon Ekpa, and four other persons have been arrested in Finland over…

12 hours ago