Ex-Governor Lalong Swaps Tinubu’s Cabinet Seat for Senate

In a surprise move, former Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has stepped down from his role as Minister of Labour and Employment in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet to take up his Senatorial seat for Plateau South.

Lalong, who initially lost the election to PDP’s Air Vice Marshall Napoleon Bali, successfully challenged the result in the Court of Appeal. With his victory confirmed and certificate of return received, the decision to enter the Senate was finalized.

This move is a strategic one for both Lalong and the ruling APC.

Lalong, a two-term speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, will strengthen the APC’s majority in the upper chamber.

For the party, Lalong’s decision avoids the need for a costly and potentially unpredictable supplementary election. Instead, they gain a seasoned politician and loyal party member in the Senate.

Though details surrounding Lalong’s replacement in the cabinet are still emerging, party leaders consulted with him before his final decision. Lalong himself reportedly recommended four potential candidates for the role.

Imran Muhammad, a presidential aide, on his official X handle, said that “President Tinubu has  accepted Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong’s  resignation from the cabinet. His valedictory will hold at the next FEC meeting.”