PLATEAU: Tribunal upholds Gov Lalong’s election victory

The Plateau Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal in Jos, on Wednesday, affirmed the election of Governor Simon Lalong.

The tribunal made up of three justices led by Justice Halima Salami, held that the petitioners could not adequately prove their case, stating further that the information made in form CF001 against Lalong bordering on the disparity of name, was not fundamental in nature.

Justice Salami also added that the petitioners failed to prove their allegation of electoral irregularities bordering on falsification of results and over-voting against Lalong and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Recall that Sen. Jeremiah Useni of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had prayed the tribunal to declare him winner of the elections, alleging the disparity in the names supplied by Gov. Lalong in form CF001.

Reacting to the ruling by the tribunal, Mr Pius Akuboh, SAN, and counsel to the APC and Gov Lalong, commended the tribunal for the verdict.

READ ALSO: Tribunal okays petition challenging Gov Tambuwal’s election

Akuboh said that the tribunal commendably dealt with all the issues raised and canvassed by the parties from all angles.

“This include the qualification of the second respondent to contest the election, allegation of over voting, corrupt practices and non-compliance to electoral law.

“Painstakingly the tribunal considered interlocutory matters raised by the respective counsels to the parties.

“We are satisfied that the judgment is in our favour specifically with respect to the qualification of the governor.

“The tribunal unequivocally found as a fact that the governor did not give false information fundamental nature in aid of his qualification,” he stated.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now