By Becky Usman
The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has made a significant ruling, ordering fresh elections and nullifying the representation of two politicians affiliated with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
- Simon Mwadkwon (Senate Minority Leader): The court declared the election of Simon Mwadkwon, who represents Plateau North Senatorial District and serves as the Senate Minority Leader, as invalid. The court, led by Justice Elfreda Oluwayemisi Williams-Dawodu JCA, ruled that the PDP had not properly nominated Mwadkwon, and it directed a fresh election to be conducted within 90 days. Mwadkwon had been declared the winner of the 2023 election by INEC but faced challenges to his nomination, primarily stemming from allegations that the PDP had not conducted a proper state congress in compliance with an earlier court order.
- Musa Agah Avia (House of Representatives): The Court of Appeal also nullified the representation of Musa Agah Avia, who was representing the Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. The court, presided over by Justice Okon Abang, determined that Avia had not been validly nominated by the PDP, and it ordered a fresh election to be held within 90 days. Avia had been declared the winner by INEC but faced a challenge from his rival Gwani Alkali of the PRP, who claimed that Avia’s nomination was not valid.
Both cases revolved around issues related to the nomination process and internal affairs of political parties, as well as alleged non-compliance with electoral regulations. The Appeal Court’s rulings highlight the importance of adhering to proper nomination procedures and compliance with electoral laws in Nigerian politics.
These judgments have implications for the political representation in Plateau North Senatorial District and the Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency, as fresh elections will be held to determine new representatives for these constituencies.