In a decisive ruling on Friday, the Court of Appeal in Abuja ousted 11 lawmakers affiliated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Plateau State Assembly. The panel, led by Justice Okon Abang, unanimously determined that the sacked lawmakers had garnered wasted votes during the March 2023 general election due to the absence of a party structure within the PDP.
Justice Abang emphasized that the PDP’s failure to comply with section 177 of the 1999 constitution rendered it incapable of sponsoring candidates in the election. Consequently, the court declared all second runners-up in the March 18 elections as the rightful winners.
The list of ousted PDP lawmakers includes 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), and Nannim Langyi (Langtang North North). Additionally, Nimchak Rims (Langtang South), Hon. Danjuma Azi (Jos North West), Gwottson Fom (Jos South), and Hon. Abubakar Sani Idris (Mangu North) faced removal from office.
With the ousting of these lawmakers, the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerges as the leading party in the Plateau State Assembly. The court’s decision reshapes the political landscape, marking a significant shift in the balance of power within the state parliament.
