Plateau Election Tribunal: Nine lawmakers back PDP Governorship Candidate for Appeal

The recent tribunal judgment affirming the election of Simon Lalong as Governor, Plateau State was a “mere setback,” not end to the case, Plateau North Senator, Istifanus Gyang said, Thursday.

The judgment which struck out the petition of the Peoples Democratic Party and its gubernatorial candidate, Jeremiah Useni will be challenged at the Appeal Court, Gyang said.

“The outcome of the tribunal to us is just the first stage and we are glad in the State and National Assembly that having conferred with the legal team, you have resolved that this mandate cannot be aborted at this stage,” the Senator told the Mr. Useni in Jos, the Capital of Plateau State.

Gyang who led eight other State and Federal lawmakers on a solidarity visit to the gubernatorial candidate vowed to join in fighting to recover the “stolen mandate” of the PDP.

“We want to as members of the State and National Assembly assure you Sir, that we are fully with you because this mandate is our collective mandate, this mandate is our collective effort, this mandate was freely given and we will pursue it through the judicial process, through the legal process,” Gyang said.

Useni according to the Senator has proved integrity and capacity to provide widely beneficial leadership to the State but was prevented by the tribunal after being voted in March 2019.

He said, “You have served this nation in many different capacities.

“In none of these capacities were you found wanting.

“At a point in time you were to be the Head of State of Nigeria but God has his ways.

“You have invested your time, your talent and your resources for the good of humanity.

“The philanthropy that you have exhibited over the years is something that is very exemplary.

“Your coming into the Governorship race of Plateau State after serving very glowingly was an opportunity for the glory of this state to be restored.

“And when the people of this State overwhelmingly gave you that mandate, our hope was that the Nigerian judiciary will rise to the constitutional capacity that has been endowed on them so that they will give the people of Plateau State an opportunity to have a lease, that will give Plateau State an opportunity to have the leadership that will bring about true restoration, true reconciliation and lasting peace to the state.”

The PDP Gubernatorial flag bearer, Jeremiah Useni said he was sure of victory at the higher courts.

“I am not shaken by what has happened.

“We have not been defeated. We will pass,” said the ex Senator.

Jeremiah Useni had approached the tribunal challenging the election of Mr Lalong in the March 9, 2019 governorship poll.

The Elections Petitions Tribunal in Jos on Wednesday affirmed the election of Governor Simon Lalong.

A panel of three justices led by Justice Halima Salami, held that the petitioners did not adequately prove their case.