The Plateau State House of Assembly finds itself at the epicenter of a political maelstrom as Speaker Gabriel Dewan, a member of the Young Peoples Party (YPP), has declared the suspension of recognition for 16 lawmakers in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s proclamation of Governor Caleb Mutfwang as the rightful winner.
In a strategic move that reshapes the political landscape, Speaker Dewan has chosen to acknowledge only eight members out of the total 24, introducing a significant shift in the composition of the assembly.
This development stems from the recent Supreme Court ruling that overturned the decision of the Court of Appeal, leading to the reinstatement of 16 lawmakers initially removed under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The Appeal Court had based its decision on the alleged lack of legitimacy for the PDP to sponsor these lawmakers, citing internal issues within the party.
Responding to the Appeal Court’s decision, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had issued certificates of return to members affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, the recent Supreme Court verdict, resulting from Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s successful appeal against his removal, declared the expulsion of the 16 PDP members as unjust.
In the aftermath of this groundbreaking judgment, Speaker Dewan has opted to suspend the recognition of the 16 lawmakers, setting the stage for potential political turbulence within the Plateau State House of Assembly.