Useni to Challenge Lalong’s Victory in Court | Nairalaw

Sen. Jeremiah Useni, gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau, has vowed to challenge the
re-election of Gov Simon Lalong for another term.

Lalong was on Sunday declared winner of the governorship seat
after the supplementary election on March 23.

Lalong, candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), scored
595,582 votes against Sen. Useni of PDP who got 546,813 votes.

But Useni said that he and his team had gone through both the
official results released by INEC and the documents submitted by
the party’s field staff and had reservations.

“We have every reason to believe that justice has not been done
to our people in this election because there was massive rigging
and electoral shortcomings.

“After due consultation, I hereby state that the results
announced by INEC is not acceptable to us.

“Consequently, we have requested our legal team to activate all
the due processes to reclaim our cherished mandate.

“I give you my word that we will pursue this matter diligently,
and by the grace of God, we will overturn and recover the people’s
mandate,” he said.

The PDP flag bearer expressed appreciation to the people of
Plateau for their massive support to him and the party in their
preference for good governance.

Useni said that they did this, in spite of all manner of
challenges.

He added that their determination was a clear testimony of their
desire to get rid of a non-performing administration that had long
turned its back against their welfare and security.

“I assure you that such massive support will not go in vain,” he
said.

“I appeal to all of us to unite all the more now and avoid any
bickering and blame-giving.

“Let us remain focused on the struggle and avoid anything else
that will distract and divide us.

“I want you to know that it is not yet over. This is only a
temporary setback. We have entered another critical stage,” he
said. (NAN)