Political tensions have escalated in Plateau State as constituents of the Plateau South senatorial zone initiate moves to recall former Governor Simon Lalong, alongside John Dafaan and Vincent Venman, from the National Assembly.
In recent weeks, over 500,000 constituents have signed recall petitions against Lalong (APC-Plateau South), Dafaan (APC-Shendam, Quaan-Pan, Mikang), and Venman (APC-Langtang North/South). Distributed forms across the six local governments within the senatorial zone have been signed, signaling the constituents’ dissatisfaction.
According to sources, the recall petitions and signatures will be submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for verification. If confirmed, INEC will schedule a referendum to decide the lawmakers’ fate. A simple majority vote by the constituents will determine whether the lawmakers will be recalled.
The move follows the controversial annulment of Sen. Napoleon Bali’s (PDP-Plateau South) victory by the Court of Appeal, which resulted in Lalong assuming the senatorial seat. Bali, who is reportedly leading the recall initiative, had previously claimed that his constituents were already collecting signatures in response to the court’s decision.
The Plateau State chapter of the APC has dismissed the recall efforts as a “wild goose chase” orchestrated by the PDP. In a statement, the APC described the move as desperate and futile, asserting that the legislators enjoy the support of their constituents despite their short tenure.
Lalong’s aide, Hon. Exodus Pyennap, also labeled the recall initiative as baseless, asserting that there are no grounds for INEC to act on the petitions.
The unfolding political drama in Plateau South reflects deep-seated divisions and growing unrest among the electorate, with both parties poised for a contentious battle over the recall process.
