Honourable Barji David Bitrus has emerged victorious in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Plateau Central Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Barji secured a landslide victory after polling 57,727 votes in the direct primaries conducted across the five local government areas of the senatorial district.
The results were announced by the Returning Officer for the zone, Hon. Sadat Garga, at MNS Hotel in Pankshin following the conclusion of the exercise.
The incumbent senator representing Plateau Central Senatorial District, Senator Diket Satso Plang, lost his re-election bid after garnering 1,423 votes.
Other aspirants who contested in the primary election included Chief Ephraim Usman Gar, who scored 1,322 votes; James Shwarpshakka Yusuf with 574 votes; Zachariah John, 670 votes; Mankilik Isaac, 282 votes; and Beatrice Clement James, who secured 652 votes.
The direct primary election was held across the five local government areas that make up the Plateau Central Senatorial District — Mangu, Bokkos, Pankshin, Kanke, and Kanam.
With the victory, Barji David Bitrus is set to represent the APC as its senatorial candidate for Plateau Central in the 2027 elections.
Troops of Enduring Peace have arrested four suspected illegal arms fabricators and gunrunners during coordinated intelligence-driven operations in the Mangu and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
The Nigerian Army said on Tuesday that the operation also led to the recovery of locally fabricated firearms, ammunition and other incriminating items.
It stated that the operation dealt a blow to suspected illegal arms supply networks fuelling insecurity in the state.
“Acting on credible intelligence received on 4 October 2026, troops of Sectors 8 and 4 conducted coordinated covert operations between 7 and 11 October 2026, leading to the arrest of the suspects,” it said.
The arrested suspects include Ayuba Sunday Abot, a suspected illegal arms fabricator operating in Heipang, Barkin Ladi LGA, and three suspected gunrunners identified as Tangkat Danjuma, Kopdi Appollos and Nyam Nzang, who allegedly operated across Mangu and Barkin Ladi LGAs.
The statement explained that items recovered during the operations include one locally fabricated revolver rifle, one locally fabricated pistol, one fabricated AK-47 barrel, one AK-47 magazine and 42 rounds of 7.62 × 54mm ammunition, alongside other items suspected to be associated with the illegal activities.
“The recoveries are expected to provide valuable leads in ongoing investigations aimed at uncovering illicit arms production and distribution networks.
“Preliminary interrogation reportedly revealed allegations that the recovered ammunition was purchased at ₦3,000 per round from an unidentified soldier,” it said.
It noted that the allegation is being thoroughly investigated to establish its authenticity and identify any persons who may have been involved in the alleged transaction.
It added that the suspects and recovered items were in the custody of the troops’ headquarters for further investigation and necessary action.
The African Democratic Congress, ADC, Enugu State chapter, has condemned reported attacks on opposition parties in the state, particularly incidents involving members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
Speaking through the Obodoeze Media Project, the mouthpiece of the party’s governorship candidate in the state, Ocho Obodoeze Chukwuma, the ADC said the reported use of firearms in a political environment was deeply troubling and represented a serious threat to public safety, democratic participation and peaceful coexistence.
The party sympathised with the NDC, its leadership and members over the disturbing developments.
“We call on the relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation, identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice in accordance with the law.
“While reports have circulated alleging that a life was lost, the Enugu State Government has disputed that claim, and the police have reported that a man sustained a suspected gunshot injury.
“We therefore urge the authorities to establish and publicly clarify the facts, while ensuring that the injured receive appropriate care and that justice is not compromised.
“We are equally concerned about the circumstances surrounding the restriction of NDC members who reportedly gathered at Akanu Ibiam International Airport to receive their party’s governorship candidate. Airports require appropriate security arrangements, and all applicable rules must be respected.
“However, those rules must be applied consistently, transparently and without political discrimination. Members of political parties and other groups are regularly seen welcoming associates and leaders at public arrival points.
“Any restriction imposed on one political party must therefore be supported by clear, consistently applied regulations rather than arbitrary or partisan considerations,” the statement said.
The party called on the Federal Ministry of Aviation to institute an independent and transparent inquiry, in conjunction with the appropriate airport authorities, to establish precisely what happened, the basis for the restrictions imposed on the NDC, and whether the same standards are applied to other political parties.
“Public institutions must remain impartial and must never create the impression that lawful civic participation is permitted for one group but denied to another on account of political affiliation.
“At this critical time, we urge all political parties, their supporters and relevant authorities to reject violence, uphold democratic principles and allow lawful political activities to take place in an atmosphere of peace, fairness and mutual respect.
“Our position remains unequivocal: the rule of law must prevail, equality before the law must be upheld, and the dignity of every human person must be recognised and protected, irrespective of political affiliation.
“No individual or group should be above the law, and no citizen should be made to feel that their rights are inferior because of the political party they support.
“Enugu State belongs to all of us. Its peace, democratic institutions and public resources must serve everyone without discrimination,” the party further stated.