The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the earlier tribunal decision that ousted Peter Ibrahim Gyendeng of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from his position.
The court has ratified Labour Party’s Fom Dalyop Chollom as the legitimate representative for the Barkin-Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency.
Chollom had contested Gyendeng’s victory in the February 25th polls, alleging Gyendeng’s invalid nomination by the PDP due to the party’s purported lack of a valid structure in the state during his candidacy.
The tribunal, concurring with Chollom’s petition, unanimously nullified Gyendeng’s win, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to retract Gyendeng’s Certificate of Return and issue it to Chollom.
Despite Gyendeng’s appeal, the Court of Appeal, in a consolidation of appeals (Suit Nos: CA/J/EP/PL/HR/47/23 & CA/J/EP/PL/HR/23/23), maintained the tribunal’s ruling.
The three appellate Justices emphasised the PDP’s non-compliance with the court order and affirmed the party’s lack of a valid structure.
Consequently, the court mandated INEC to withdraw Gyendeng’s Certificate of Return and officially recognise Chollom as the rightful winner of the constituency seat.
