Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, has expressed his conviction that his party, the People Democratic Party (PDP), will regain both the State and National Assembly seats recently lost in the Court of Appeal to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Labour Party respectively.
Three National Assembly members–Senator Napoleon Bali, Hon. Beni Lar, Hon. Musa Baggos, and three State Assembly members had been removed by the Election Petition Tribunal. Last Friday, the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal confirmed Muftwang’s election win, dismissing a petition against it by Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, the APC’s gubernatorial candidate.
At a victory rally in Jos, the Governor addressed supporters, expressing his absolute confidence in regaining the lost seats. He believes that the Appeal Court will overturn the previous verdict of Justice Mohammed Tukur-led tribunal, which had dismissed some of PDP’s national assembly members.
Muftwang said, “Do not entertain any fear. We shall be victorious in the Appeal Court and also in the Supreme Court. And if they decide to go to the Appeal Court, God is waiting for us there, and if they also decide to go to the Supreme Court, God is also waiting for us.”
“In spite of this temporary setback, we have hope in the judiciary; justice will be served at the end of the day. If they go to the Court of Appeal, God will be there waiting for them; if they also choose to approach the Supreme Court, God will also be there; justice will be served at the end of the day.”
He praised the judgement of the Governorship Election Tribunal last Friday, and thanked Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President, who, despite pressure, refused to interfere in the judiciary process demonstrating his democratic values.
He further urged supporters throughout the state to remain law-abiding and continue their daily lives, as he settles back into his governance duties.
During the rally, Former Plateau State Governor Sen. Jonah David Jang echoed these sentiments and expressed his gratitude towards God and the people of Plateau State for the victory. He asserted that the resilience and strength of the PDP structures, would remain steadfast and unbeatable.
State PDP Chairman Hon. Chris Hassan, represented by Deputy Chairman Captain Bitrus Golen (retired), assured the youth of the strength of the party and urged them to guard their court-acquired victories.
Barrister Philimon Daffi, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the state, gave some insight into the tribunal cases mentioning that the judgments in PDP’s favor show the party’s strong structure.
He further acknowledged that there ongoing petitions challenging the National and State Assembly Elections being debated in the Appellate Court.
The solidarity rally witnessed the presence of all PDP stalwarts, from state, local government, and ward executives, to women, elders, youth leaders, and party supporters from across the state.
