Election Verdict: Appeal Court Upholds Plateau South Senator’s Victory, PDP’s Claim

A three-judge panel at the Appeal Court, led by Justice Williams Daudu, upheld the Tribunal’s verdict regarding the election’s outcome…CONTINUE READING

Previously, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had announced Senator Napoleon Bali of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the original election.

However, on September 11, the National Assembly and State Election Petitions Tribunal in Jos declared Simon Lalong, who ran on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform, as the Senator-elect representing Plateau South.

This decision was made due to irregularities in the PDP primaries that led to Bali’s candidacy. The Tribunal specifically pointed to the PDP’s failure to comply with a mandatory order from a Jos High Court, which required the party to conduct ward congresses.

The Appeal Court reaffirmed the Tribunal’s decision on Tuesday. The Appellate Court emphasized that the 1999 Constitution mandates all authorities and individuals to adhere to court orders and judgments. Since the PDP did not conduct a valid congress as per the court order, the Appeal Court stated.

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