Lawmaker Describes Tribunal Judgment on Plateau Governorship Poll as Minor Setback

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The lawmaker representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, has described the recent judgment by the Plateau State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal as a minor setback.

Gagdi in a statement issued Saturday said the outcome was just one phase in the electoral process, and the journey for justice is far from over.

The lawmaker, who is also Chairman of the House Committee on Navy, maintained that while the judgment represented a temporary setback, it did not shake his unwavering faith in the justice system.

Gagdi said: “The judgment today was a continuation of the electoral process which shall climax at the Supreme Court. We believe in the judiciary to right whatever wrong we are convinced were perpetrated in the election that deprived us of victory.

“The verdict of the tribunal is one of the three stages available for us to seek redress. It was a minor setback that neither dwindled nor extinguished my trust in the judiciary as the last hope of the common man.

“While we await the position of the party leaders and our principal on the next line of action, I appeal to our supporters not to despair, but remain committed to the ideals of the Generation Next mantra and behave in ourselves with utmost decorum as it is usually in our character.

Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding the election, Gagdi called on supporters to remain composed and exhibit decorum, adding  that the judiciary remained the last bastion of hope of the common man.

According to him, “The best is saved for the last. Because it is not yet over until it is over. We are optimistic of a better outcome at the appellate courts.”