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16 sacked members of the Plateau State House of Assembly, who are members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have appealed to the Court of Appeal to reverse its previous decision nullifying their elections.
The Court of Appeal had nullified the election of all PDP lawmakers in the Assembly, stating that their party lacked the structure to sponsor candidates in the election.
However, the sacked legislators argue that they are still members of the House based on the Supreme Court’s decision that affirmed the election of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, which was also nullified by the Court of Appeal. They believe that the Supreme Court’s decision vindicates them.
The sacked lawmakers have filed a motion on notice with the Court of Appeal, seeking to be reinstated into the House. Their counsel argued that both the election tribunal and the Court of Appeal lacked jurisdiction over the matter.
They are requesting an order to set aside the Court of Appeal’s decision on their case and are basing their argument on the Supreme Court’s judgment validating Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s nomination and sponsorship.
The lawmakers’ attempt to return to the House of Assembly almost caused a political crisis in the state. The Speaker of the House, Gabriel Dewan Kudagbena, has not yet sworn in the members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who are beneficiaries of the Court of Appeal’s judgment. The Speaker cited conflicting court orders as the reason for his decision.
Overall, the sacked PDP lawmakers are challenging the Court of Appeal’s decision nullifying their elections and asserting their status as members of the House based on the Supreme Court’s judgment on Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s election.
