The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has given the Minister of Labour and Employment and Senator-elect for Plateau South Senatorial District, Simon Lalong his certificate of return.
This was contained in a release by his Special Adviser, Makut Macham, who stated that the former Plateau State Governor received the certificate of return at the INEC Headquarters Maitama, Abuja, from the National Commissioner, Mohammed Haruna.
Lalong pledged to serve the Plateau South Senatorial District, as he collected the certificate, along with his spouse, Mrs. Regina Lalong, and children.
SaharaReporters had reported how a Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja affirmed the tribunal’s decision that pronounced the Minister of Labour, Simon Lalong, as the legitimate winner of the Plateau South Senatorial seat.
The appellate court made last week in a ruling read by Justice Elfrieda Williams-Dawodu, who held that the matter was both a pre-and post-election matter.
Justice Williams-Dawodu added that the tribunal’s decision was correct on the matter.
Bali of the Peoples Democratic Party had been announced as the winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
INEC announced that Bali got 148,844 votes and that Lalong received 91,674 votes to finish second in the election.
But the tribunal, while deciding on a petition filed by Lalong, ruled that Bali of the Peoples Democratic Party did not have a valid right to participate in the election.
The panel ruled that Bali’s votes in the general elections on February 25, 2023, were void.
Bali approached the appeal court, asking the court to set aside the judgment.
The Appeal Court has also held that the PDP was wrong not to have obeyed subsisting orders asking that a new congress should be conducted in the state.
“Section 287 of the Nigerian Constitution said all are expected to observe orders of the court. The order was in the realm. It is binding all persons. It is immutable and until it is set aside must be complied with.
“This issue is hereby resolved against the appellant. Invalidly nominated candidates cannot attract lawful votes. This appeal fails. The tribunal judgment is hereby affirmed,” Justice Williams-Dawodu said.
The upholding of Lalong’s victory has also generated protests in Jos, Plateau State capital.
It was learned that the protesters blocked major roads within Jos metropolis, expressing their displeasure with the ruling of the appellate court which nullified the victories of the lawmakers based on pre-election matters.
