The Court of Appeal in Abuja ousted 11 lawmakers affiliated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from their positions in the Plateau State Assembly on Friday.
The panel, led by Justice Okon Abang, reached a unanimous decision, asserting that the dismissed lawmakers had garnered wasted votes during the March 2023 general election due to their party’s lack of structure.
Justice Abang elaborated on the violation of Section 177 of the 1999 constitution by the PDP, contending that the party could not legally sponsor candidates in the election. Consequently, the court declared all second runners-up in the March 18 elections as the rightful winners.
The affected legislators include Hon. Timothy Dantong (Riyom), Hon. Rimyat Nanbol (Langtang North Central), Moses Sule (Mikang), Salome Waklek (Pankshin), Hon. Bala Fwangji (Mangu South), Hon. Maren Ishaku (Bokkos), Hon. Dagogot (Quaanpan North), Nannim Langyi (Langtang North North), Nimchak Rims (Langtang South), Hon. Danjuma Azi (Jos North West), Gwottson Fom (Jos South), and Hon. Abubakar Sani Idris (Mangu North).
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As a result of the court’s decision, the All Progressives Congress (APC) now takes the lead as the dominant party in the Plateau State Assembly.