The Plateau State Police have enforced road closures leading to the state House of Assembly in Jos, amidst a gathering of supporters from both the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and their rivals in the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday.
Alabo Alfred, the spokesperson for the police command, confirmed that law enforcement officers were deployed to prevent any potential breach of peace and order in the state.
The uncertainty surrounding the fate of 16 PDP lawmakers, who were sacked by the Court of Appeal, has heightened tensions around the Assembly. The appellate court had declared APC candidates as winners of the March 18, 2023, House of Assembly elections, leading to the removal of both the lawmakers and Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
Although the Supreme Court overturned the governor’s removal, the 16 PDP lawmakers are seeking reinstatement.
Supporters from both parties have gathered at the Assembly complex, with tensions running high as they await developments. PDP supporters argue that the APC lawmakers, who have yet to be sworn in following the controversial court ruling, are attempting to forcefully enter the Assembly and impeach the Speaker and the governor. Meanwhile, APC supporters assert that the Speaker’s refusal to swear in the APC members, despite the Court of Appeal’s ruling, is unjust.
At present, neither the sacked PDP lawmakers nor the APC members have appeared at the Assembly complex. However, both factions have convened separate meetings to strategize their next steps.
As of the latest update, these meetings are ongoing, according to Timothy Dantong, one of the sacked PDP lawmakers.
