The Abuja-based Appeal Court has declared the election of Senator Simon Mwadkon, the Senate Minority Leader, invalid.
According to the Appeal Court, the nomination of Sen. Simon Mwadkon by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was found to be invalid.
The judge explained that, in their opinion, the PDP did not fully comply with court orders, particularly because 12 Local Government Areas (LGAs) did not participate in the congress.
The court’s decision on Sunday, October 21, came after a legal dispute involving Gyang Yaya Zi and the Labour Party (LP) as the 1st and 2nd Appellants, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Simon Mwadkwon, and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respondents for the Plateau State Northern Senatorial District.
In case number CA/J/EP/PL/SEN/15/2023, the court declared Sen. Simon Mwadkon’s previous election null and void. In a significant judgment, the court invalidated Sen. Mwadkon’s election and ordered a re-run election to be conducted within 90 days to determine the new representative for the Plateau North Senatorial District.
In a comprehensive ruling, the Court highlighted non-compliance with an existing court order as a pivotal factor in its decision. The Court asserted that upholding due process required a new election for the Plateau North Senatorial seat. As a result, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) will not participate in the rerun elections, as mandated by the Appeal Court.
The implications of this judgment are expected to significantly influence the political landscape, casting doubts on the legitimacy of previous elections. Keep an eye on this developing situation, as the Plateau North Senatorial seat ruling becomes the focus of intense scrutiny and speculation, potentially impacting other pending cases in Plateau State.