In response to the Court of Appeal’s removal of certain senators, the Nigerian Senate, on Tuesday, made significant appointments, designating Senator Abba Moro, representing Benue South Senatorial District under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the new Senate Minority Leader.
Senator Moro stepped in to replace Senator Simon Mwadkon of the same party, who previously represented Plateau North Senatorial District before his dismissal by the Court of Appeal.
Also, the upper legislative chamber appointed Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West Senatorial District under the PDP, as the Senate Minority Whip, taking over from Senator Darlington Nwokocha of the Labour Party, who faced a similar dismissal by the Court of Appeal.
The Court of Appeal’s decisions resulted in the removal of Senator Nwokocha and the declaration of Austin Akobundu of PDP as the victor in the February 25 National Assembly poll.
In its verdict, a three-member panel led by Justice Daudu Williams highlighted that Senator Mwadkwon’s nomination by the PDP for the election lacked validity due to 12 local government areas in the state not participating in the congress that elected him as the party’s candidate.
Consequently, the Court directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize a rerun for the Plateau North Senatorial seat within a 90-day timeframe.
