Simon Lalong, the Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial zone and leader of the APC in the state, emphasized on Wednesday that the party has accepted the Supreme Court’s judgement on the gubernatorial elections in good faith. The party is eagerly awaiting the judgement’s copy for analysis and future reference.
He communicated that the APC in the state and nationwide have embraced the verdict and urged their supporters to abstain from criticizing the judiciary or making inflammatory remarks to maintain peace and stability.
Lalong made these statements while addressing the party’s stakeholders at the Party’s Headquarters, Kalwa House Jos. He asserted that despite the recent setback, the APC remains a strong and united family with dominance in the state.
He stated, “The Supreme Court, the final authority in gubernatorial elections, has spoken, and as strong believers in the rule of law, the APC in Plateau State and Nigeria have accepted the verdict.”
He added, “It is regrettable that some individuals have excessively analyzed the Supreme Court’s judgement without having seen a certified true copy of the judgement to guide them properly.”
“The APC has requested the certified copy of the judgement to thoroughly assess it and explore ways to enhance its prospects in future elections.”
Responding to allegations that the APC brought a pre-election matter to court, which was addressed by the High Court, election tribunals, and Appeal court, the former Governor clarified, “APC was not a party to the case between Hon. Kaze Vs PDP or the one between PDP Vs PLASIEC, which reached the Supreme Court and was dismissed against PDP.”
He continued, “I want to clarify that APC only utilized the judgement delivered against the PDP to file its petition as a post-election matter, as allowed by the law.”
“We should recall the same issue was raised in Tinubu and Atiku, where the tribunal ruled that if a party has a judgement against it before an election, any other party can use it as a post-election matter to contest the election’s verdict.”
“As far as we are concerned, the judgement stating that PDP lacked a structure in Plateau State occurred in 2021 when the High Court had the jurisdiction to address party matters. This ruling prevented them from contesting in Local Government elections and also invalidated Hon. Musa Agah’s victory.”
“I urge everyone, including my learned colleagues and the media, to await the Supreme Court’s certified judgement before drawing conclusions.”
The former Labour and Employment Minister appreciated President Bola Tinubu’s support for the party and urged the party members to put in maximum effort to secure victory in the Saturday rerun elections for Plateau North Senatorial seat and Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency.
During his welcome address, State Chairman of the party, Hon. Rufus Bature, affirmed the party’s strength and encouraged them to confront the current situation with a view of emerging stronger. He assured the party faithful that the 15 House of Assembly members will be sworn in as there is no court order barring their inauguration, despite rumors.
Bature also urged them to strive for the party’s victory in the upcoming rerun elections for Plateau North Senate and Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency.
A minute of silence was observed for the victims of attacks in certain parts of Plateau State, with a plea to the State Government to take necessary measures to safeguard the citizens’ lives.
