In a closely contested governorship election in Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has emerged as the Governor-Elect.
The announcement was made by the Returning Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Idris Amali, who declared Mutfwang as the winner of the election having secured a total of 525,299 votes.
Mutfwang defeated his closest rival, Nantawe Yilwatda of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who polled a total of 481,370 votes. Patrick Dakum of the Labour Party (LP) came a distant third with 60,310 votes.
The PDP candidate secured 43,929 votes higher than the APC candidate, who was anointed by the incumbent Governor, Simon Lalong.
Mutfwang’s victory is seen as a significant blow to the APC and a major upset in the political landscape of Plateau State.
The PDP candidate secured the highest number of votes in 10 local government areas of Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Lantang North, Langtang South, Riyom, Mikang, Mangu, Jos East, Qua’an Pan, and Pokkos.
Meanwhile, the APC scored the highest number of votes in seven local government areas of Jos East, Kanke, Kanam, Pankshin, Shendam, Wase, and Jos North respectively.