In a major judicial ruling that has sent shockwaves through Plateau State politics, the Federal High Court in Jos has officially declared Hon. Ayuba Dalyop Mandung as the rightful winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Jos South State Constituency!
Presiding judge, Justice Dorcas Agishi, delivered the decisive judgment after finding that original primary election results declared at the Giring Ward level had been unlawfully altered post-declaration to favor his rival, Mancha John Vincent.
The court ruled unequivocally that ward-level primary election results, once officially announced, cannot be modified or rewritten at a later stage. Justice Agishi also noted that Mandung was unjustifiably denied a fair hearing when the party attempted to alter the democratic outcome.
Enforcing a perpetual injunction, the court permanently restrained the APC from presenting Vincent as its candidate and issued a mandatory order compelling the ruling party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately recognize Mandung as the authentic flagbearer.
Adding extra weight to the verdict, the court ordered Vincent, the APC, and INEC to pay ₦500,000 each in damages directly to Mandung—totaling a hefty ₦1.5 million financial penalty for their roles in the disputed process.
The landmark verdict has sparked wild celebrations among Mandung’s supporters across Jos South, with grassroots political commentators hailing the judgment as a massive victory for internal party democracy and electoral integrity.
What do you think about the court penalizing political parties for altering primary election results? Share your thoughts and comments below!
