Former Minister of Labour, Employment, and Productivity, Simon Lalong, has taken the oath of office as a member of the 10th Senate, representing Plateau South Senatorial District. The inauguration took place during a plenary session presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who also declared the seats of former governors of Ebonyi and Yobe states vacant.
The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, had upheld the election petition tribunal’s judgment on November 7, confirming Lalong as the winner of the Plateau South Senatorial District election. Despite INEC initially declaring the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Napoleon Bali, as the winner, Lalong challenged the result, citing the PDP’s lack of proper structure in the state.
Following his inauguration, Lalong expressed gratitude and emphasized that being a senator was his first choice after serving as the governor of Plateau State. He resigned as the Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Organisation for the 2023 presidential poll, presenting his resignation to President Bola Tinubu.
Senate President Akpabio congratulated Lalong and highlighted the significance of good legislation with the APC majority in the Senate. Meanwhile, Akpabio declared the seats of Senators David Umahi (Ebonyi South) and Ibrahim Giadam (Yobe East) vacant, in accordance with Section 68 (1)(d) of the 1999 Constitution. Akpabio called on INEC to initiate the by-election process for the two senatorial districts promptly. National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, expressed joy over Lalong’s victory and emphasized the party’s commitment to working for the prosperity of all Nigerians.
