The National Assembly Rerun Election Petition Tribunal in Bauchi has delivered a landmark judgement, reaffirming Senator Pam Mwadkon Dachungyang of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) as the duly elected Senator representing Plateau North.
The three-member panel, led by Justice Cordelia Ogadi, dismissed petitions filed by Shafi’u Sahlan (NNPP) and Ambassador Chris Giwa (APC) due to lack of merit.
The tribunal’s verdict validates the February 2024 rerun election conducted by INEC, which declared Senator Dachungyang and ADP as winners.
Despite challenges to the outcome, the tribunal’s exhaustive judgement found no substance in the petitioners’ claims, spanning over three hours.
Reacting to the judgement, the Senator has stated that the judgement is an affirmation of the mandate given to him by electorates in the senatorial district.
In a statement signed by the Special Assistant Media to the Senator, Mr. Eric Dung, Senator Dachungyang said the landmark judgement of the Tribunal was a confirmation and reaffirmation of the mandate given to him.
Senator Dachungyang reiterated that he has never for one day lost sight of the huge responsibility that comes with the demands of the office adding that the judgement will further serve as a springboard to do his utmost best in ensuring that what rightfully belongs to the people of Plateau North does not slip bye.
“I want to appreciate the tenacity of my fellow contestants who took the legal route to ventilate their grievances with the electoral process. Be rest assured that nobody lost today. If anybody won today, then we are all winners. I believe that this singular decision of the petitioners has greatly added to the quality of our electoral jurisprudence. It is in line with this that I invite all of you with open arms to join me so that we can work together to deliver quality representation and democratic dividends to our people whom we all seek to serve.” He said
The lawmaker also used the opportunity to commend the judges for their tenacity, diligence, and patience, adding that their conduct is exceptional in ensuring that justice prevails at the end of the day.
To the people of Plateau North Senatorial District I can only but assure you one thing: to serve you, our dear Plateau State and Nigeria is all I have come to do at the National Assembly, adding that victory belongs to God Almighty, whom we all serve.”
