ViewPointNigeria earlier reported on an inaccurate contribution that Peter Azi, the APC honourable member representing Jos North West constituency was elected as speaker of the House of Representatives.

This report has now been clarified by our correspondent, Beshi Huboshi, who confirmed that the election was stalled because of a deadlock in votes between the APC and PDP Candidates.

Following the deadlock, the governor of Plateau State (Barrister Simon Lalong) stepped in and suspended the exercise before its finalization, because of security concerns.

The announcement for the suspension was made by the Clerk of the House, Barrister Simon Gongu, saying “the governor said the exercise should be suspended, because of security concerns”.

In the first round of voting, Hon. Peter Azi of the APC got 12 votes, while Hon. Istifanus Mwansat got 12. As such, they had to go for round two of the voting exercise in order to determine a definitive winner. However, as this was in progress the executive directive as passed that the election be suspended because of security concerns.

ViewPointNigeria reliably gathered that the tie arose, becuase one PDP member broke ranks and voted for the APC candidate.

In the 24 member House, the PDP has 13 members, while the APC has 11.

By Beshi Huboshi, Jos

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Plateau State Governor Halts Election of Speaker