On Tuesday, the Appeal Court in Abuja confirmed Simon Lalong, Minister of Labour and Employment, as the Senator-elect for Plateau South.
The poll was won by Senator Napoleon Bali of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), according to the Independent National Electoral Commission.
However, on September 11, the National Assembly and State Election Petitions Tribunal in Jos confirmed Simon Lalong as the Senator-elect for Plateau South, while dismissing Napoleon Bali of the People’s Democratic Party for arising from a fraudulent primary electoral process.
Lalong, a former governor of Plateau state was before the election victory at the Tribunal appointed as Labour minister by President Bola Tinubu.
In sacking Napoleon, the Tribunal had faulted PDP’s failure to obey a Jos High Court order which directed the party to mandatorily conduct ward congresses.
The All Progressives Congress under whose platform Lalong contested, had contended that PDP primary poll was flawed.
The tribunal agreed with the APC legal team and subsequently affirmed Lalong senator.
Lalong had since commenced duties in Abuja as minister.
But the PDP Candidate appealed to the appellate court.
On Tuesday, the three-man panel of the court led by Justice Williams Daudu held that the findings of the lower Tribunal were positive.
The judge held that the 1999 Constitution states that all authorities and persons are expected to comply with orders and judgements of a court but the PDP failed to hold valid congress.
“The sole issue is resolved against the appellant.
“This appeal is hereby dismissed. The judgement of the Tribunal is hereby affirmed,” Justice Williams held.