The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the previous tribunal’s decision to remove Peter Ibrahim Gyendeng of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from his position. As per the court’s ruling, Fom Dalyop Chollom of the Labour Party is now the rightful representative for the Barkin-Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency. Chollom had challenged Gyendeng’s win in the February 25th polls, citing Gyendeng’s invalid nomination by the PDP, which, as per Chollom’s allegations, lacked 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 emphasized 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 recognize Chollom as the rightful winner of the constituency seat.