Tension Mounts Outside Plateau Assembly as Police Heighten Security Amidst PDP, APC Supporters Standoff

In a bid to avert potential chaos, the Plateau State police force sealed off the road leading to the State House of Assembly in Jos on Tuesday. This precautionary measure was prompted by the gathering of supporters from both the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and their rivals in the All Progressives Congress (APC) outside the Assembly complex.

Police Spokesman Alabo Alfred informed newsmen that the law enforcement team was actively engaged in preventing any disruption of order in the state. The uncertainty surrounding the fate of 16 PDP lawmakers, ousted by the Court of Appeal, has left the state Assembly in a tense situation.

The Court of Appeal’s decision removed the 16 PDP lawmakers, declaring APC candidates as winners in the March 18, 2023, House of Assembly poll. This move also affected Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, who was later reinstated by the Supreme Court.

In response to the Supreme Court judgment, the 16 PDP lawmakers are now seeking reinstatement. The current standoff outside the Assembly appears linked to these unresolved political dynamics.

Supporters on both sides, stationed at the Assembly complex, voiced their concerns. PDP supporter Mathew Danladi alleged that APC members, yet to be sworn in, intended to forcibly enter the Assembly, raising fears of an attempted Speaker impeachment and subsequent action against the governor. He emphasized the need for adherence to legal processes, given the ongoing court proceedings involving the 16 vacant seats.

On the other hand, APC supporter Barnabas Dalyop argued that the Speaker’s refusal to swear in APC members after the Court of Appeal’s declaration was unacceptable. Dalyop questioned the Speaker’s resistance to abide by the court ruling, stating that the Court of Appeal had already deemed the APC members as legitimate representatives.

As of now, neither the 16 sacked PDP lawmakers nor the APC members have appeared at the Assembly complex on Tuesday. Sources reveal that both camps have called separate meetings to discuss their next course of action, with the situation remaining tense and unresolved. One of the sacked PDP lawmakers, Timothy Dantong, confirmed ongoing meetings and promised further updates once concluded.