A political support group under the banner of Progressive Mind of Zabot Ward in Foron District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, has thrown its weight behind Hon. Pharm. Chun Ezekiel John (CJ) ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The group publicly endorsed his ambition to represent Barkin Ladi-Riyom Federal Constituency under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a strong show of commitment, the group also promised to purchase the APC nomination and expression of interest forms for the aspirant, describing him as a credible and capable leader with the vision to deliver quality representation to the people of the constituency.
Leading the group, Hon. Elder Dung Stephen Gwong said the Progressive Minds of Zabot Ward, made up of over 2,000 APC members across men, women, and youths, had carefully assessed all aspirants and found Hon. Pharm. Chun Ezekiel John best suited to represent Barkin Ladi–Riyom Federal Constituency.
He explained that the endorsement followed a thorough evaluation of the aspirant’s vision, competence, and readiness, especially after his recent stakeholders’ engagement in Zabot, where he clearly outlined plans for effective and people-centered representation.
Gwong noted that the group’s decision was driven by the need for quality leadership, stressing that Chun John possesses the capacity, experience, and grassroots connection required to deliver meaningful representation at the National Assembly.
As a demonstration of their commitment, he announced that the group would purchase the APC Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the aspirant, urging him to step forward and contest while assuring him of their full support.
Hon. Ayuba Hwere, a former Majority Leader of the Barkin Ladi Legislative Council, described Hon. Pharm. Chun Ezekiel John as a grassroots leader who is always present and supportive, especially during times of insecurity, noting that his closeness to the people and consistent interventions make him fit to represent the constituency.
On behalf of the women, Mary Gyang, the Woman Leader, urged members of the ward to rally behind Hon. Pharm. Chun Ezekiel John, calling for unity in support of his ambition. She appealed to the aspirant to prioritize empowerment and security if elected, and prayed for God’s guidance and success in his political journey.
Speaking on behalf of the youth, Comr. Hwere David Ayuba described Hon. Pharm. Chun Ezekiel John as a resilient and impactful leader who has consistently empowered young people through various initiatives, noting that even without holding elective office, he has demonstrated strong leadership and capacity, making him a worthy choice to represent Barkin Ladi–Riyom Federal Constituency.
Responding, Hon. Pharm. Chun Ezekiel John expressed deep appreciation to the people of Zabot Ward, describing their endorsement and decision to purchase his nomination and expression of interest forms as a rare show of love and confidence in his vision.
He said the gesture came as a surprise, noting that the willingness of an entire ward to take such responsibility reflects their belief in his capacity to deliver and their commitment to the movement.
The aspirant assured the group that he would not take their support for granted, pledging to justify the trust reposed in him if given the opportunity to represent the constituency at the National Assembly.
He further emphasized that the growing endorsements from different wards signal that the time is right for a new direction, adding that he is ready to step forward and serve the people with dedication and purpose.
The All Progressives Congress has postponed its House of Representatives primary election for the 2027 general elections by one day.
The party announced that the exercise, initially scheduled to hold earlier, will now take place on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
This was contained in a press statement issued on May 14, 2026, by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka.
According to the statement, all other previously announced dates for the party’s primary elections remain unchanged.
“The All Progressives Congress (APC) announces the postponement of the House of Representatives Primary Election for the 2027 General Elections to Saturday, 16th May, 2026,” the statement read.
The party further confirmed the revised timetable for its remaining primaries as follows:
House of Representatives – Saturday, May 16, 2026
Senate – Monday, May 18, 2026
State House of Assembly – Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Governorship – Thursday, May 21, 2026
Presidential – Saturday, May 23, 2026
The statement did not provide reasons for the postponement of the House of Representatives primary election.
The APC primaries are expected to determine the party’s candidates for various elective offices ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Thousands Welcome Naanlong Daniel in Piapung Ahead of Assembly Primary, Launches Ward Coordinators,
Thousands of supporters on Thursday welcomed the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Naanlong Daniel, to his hometown of Piapung in Mikang Local Government Area, where he inaugurated ward coordinators ahead of the forthcoming House of Assembly primary election.
The event, held at the Piapung Community Hall, attracted party faithful, community leaders, youth groups, women associations, and supporters from across the constituency.
Addressing the gathering, the Speaker charged the newly inaugurated ward coordinators to remain focused and intensify grassroots mobilization ahead of next Wednesday’s primary election.
He urged them to reach every part of the constituency in order to strengthen support and ensure effective coordination during the election period.
Daniel expressed appreciation for what he described as the overwhelming support and confidence reposed in him by the people of Piapung and the wider constituency.
According to him, his campaign remains issue-based, with the development and progress of Mikang as the top priority.
“With God on our side and the support of the people, we are committed to purposeful leadership, sustainable development, and impactful representation for the people of Mikang and beyond,” he said.
The Speaker disclosed that the screening process for beneficiaries of his scholarship scheme had been completed and announced that the programme would soon commence to support students in various tertiary institutions and academic programmes.
He stated that his administration has continued to improve access to education through scholarship initiatives and educational support programmes aimed at easing financial burdens on parents and students across the constituency.
Daniel also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting farmers through the distribution of fertilizers to boost agricultural productivity and food sufficiency in the area.
He further highlighted several projects and programmes executed under his leadership, particularly in the areas of education, agriculture, youth empowerment, and infrastructure development.
The Speaker assured residents of continued efforts toward rural transformation through the execution of additional development projects across communities in Mikang Local Government Area.
He also pledged to further upgrade the community hall he built in Piapung to make the facility more beneficial and convenient for residents.
In his remarks, John Poesmang commended the Speaker for what he described as impactful leadership and quality representation, noting that the people of Piapung were proud of his achievements and developmental strides.
Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated coordinators, former councillor of Yepwest Ward, Hon. Hangkop Yohana, thanked the Speaker for the confidence reposed in them and pledged loyalty and commitment toward ensuring the success of the campaign.
The event ended with chants of solidarity and renewed support for the Speaker as supporters reaffirmed their commitment to his leadership and vision for the constituency.