Simon Lalong, the Minister of Labour and Employment, is reportedly considering resigning from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet following the reception of his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
This development follows the recent decision by the Court of Appeal to oust Bali Napoleon of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and affirm Lalong as the Senator for Plateau South Senatorial district.
The three-member panel, led by Justice Williams Daudu, upheld the Tribunal’s ruling on the election’s outcome, declaring Lalong as the rightful Senator-elect. INEC had initially declared Senator Napoleon Bali of the PDP as the winner of the original poll.
The National Assembly and State Election Petitions Tribunal in Jos had earlier ruled in favor of Lalong on September 11, citing irregularities in the PDP primaries that led to Bali’s disqualification. The tribunal faulted the PDP for not complying with a Jos High Court order mandating the party to conduct ward congresses.
The Appellate Court emphasized that the 1999 Constitution mandates all authorities and individuals to adhere to court orders and judgments.
However, the PDP’s failure to conduct a valid congress was a key factor leading to the ruling in favor of Lalong and the All Progressives Congress (APC), which had filed a petition challenging the election outcome.
Ada Peter
