Tension Mounts as Police Cordon Off Plateau State House of Assembly Amid Political Crisis

In a bid to prevent a potential breakdown of law and order, the police in Plateau State have cordoned off the road leading to the state House of Assembly within the Jos metropolis. This development follows heightened tensions between supporters of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and their rivals from the All Progressives Congress (APC), who have been keeping vigil in front of the Assembly complex.

The uncertainty surrounding the fate of 16 PDP lawmakers sacked by the Court of Appeal has fueled the ongoing standoff. The appellate court declared APC candidates as the winners of the March 18, 2023, House of Assembly poll, leading to the removal of the PDP lawmakers. Although the Supreme Court reversed the governor’s sacking by the Court of Appeal, the situation remains unresolved for the 16 PDP lawmakers seeking reinstatement.

Supporters of both factions, gathered at the Assembly complex, and voiced their concerns and intentions. PDP supporters expressed their determination to resist any attempt to forcefully enter the Assembly and impeach the Speaker, alleging that the APC members are attempting to circumvent the legal process. Conversely, APC supporters argued that the Court of Appeal’s ruling should be respected, emphasizing the need for the Speaker to swear in the newly declared APC lawmakers.

As tensions simmered, neither the sacked PDP lawmakers nor the APC members showed up at the Assembly complex on Tuesday. Instead, both camps convened separate meetings to deliberate on the unfolding situation and determine their next course of action.