The political landscape in Plateau State, Nigeria is witnessing turbulent times with recent legal developments. On November 24, 2023, the Court of Appeal issued a unanimous verdict invalidating the candidacy of legislators from the People’s Democratic Congress (PDP) party in the March 18 election of the same year. According to the court, the party had violated article 177 of the 1999 Constitution, which earned them their dismissal.
As a result, all candidates who came second in this election are declared winners, putting the Progressive Congress Party (APC) on top in the Plateau State House of Assembly. The move adds to a series of setbacks for the PDP in the state, as the victory of the governor, Caleb Mutfwang, was also annulled recently for the same violation of the law.
In fact, the Court of Appeal rejected the decision of the Electoral Disputes Tribunal which upheld Mutfwang’s victory, stating that the governor had not been validly sponsored by the PDP, as stipulated in Article 285(2). ) of the Nigerian Constitution. Further, the court pointed out that the PDP had contravened an order of the Plateau State High Court, which directed it to conduct valid elections in 17 local areas of the state before nominating candidates.
These legal decisions mark a hard blow for the PDP in Plateau, highlighting the problems of structure and respect for the law within the party. The political consequences are significant, as the APC now takes control of the State Assembly, which could impact policy decisions and directions in the state.
This electoral setback for the PDP also highlights the challenges facing Nigerian democracy, particularly with regard to the compliance of political parties with constitutional requirements and maintaining strong structures. It is essential that political parties follow the rules and ensure fair and transparent electoral processes to preserve the integrity and trust of the democratic system.
It remains to be seen how these court decisions will affect the political future of Plateau State, as well as the image of the PDP in this region. As the next elections approach, it is essential that all political parties commit to respecting electoral laws and working towards the well-being of citizens.