A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Alex Ladan, has formally declared his ambition to contest the 2027 governorship election in Plateau State, saying the state requires “a reset” to address worsening insecurity, declining agricultural productivity and challenges in the education sector.
Ladan made the declaration in Mangu on Tuesday during a gathering attended by Party supporters, community leaders and stakeholders, where calls were also made for greater youth participation in leadership.
Addressing the crowd, he said Plateau had drifted away from the peaceful and prosperous vision established by the founding fathers of the State and the PDP.
“Plateau needs a reset,” he declared. “We must return to the values of unity, development and people-centred leadership.”
The governorship aspirant described the PDP as a Party deeply rooted in democratic ideals, recalling the contributions of elder statesmen such as Solomon Lar and former governor Jonah Jang, and others to the political development of the State.
Speaking on insecurity, Ladan lamented the continued attacks and killings in parts of the State, stressing that the government must prioritise the protection of lives and property.
“Plateau, as a multi-tribal state, once enjoyed peace and coexistence until forces of division emerged to sow discord among the people,” he said.
He urged residents not to allow ethnic and religious differences divide them, insisting that Christians and Muslims had lived peacefully together for generations.
“Our security challenges should not push us into fighting ourselves. We must stand united against those threatening the peace of our communities,” he added.
Ladan also identified agriculture as one of the major sectors capable of restoring economic growth in the State if properly managed.
He promised to revive abandoned agricultural programmes, particularly the Agricultural Services and Training Centre (ASTC), which he said was established to promote mechanised farming and improve food production across the State.
“Plateau remains the food basket of Nigeria. Government must invest deliberately in agriculture to empower farmers and create jobs for young people,” he said.
On education, the PDP stalwart pledged to improve schools and expand access to technical and vocational learning, warning that the growing number of out-of-school children posed a serious threat to the future of the state.
According to him, the government alone cannot solve the problem without the support of parents and communities.
“We must collectively encourage our children to embrace education because they are the future of Plateau,” he stated.
Ladan further paid tribute to the late Joseph Gomwalk, describing him as a visionary leader whose policies laid the foundation for infrastructural and institutional development in the Middle Belt.
On his continued stay in the PDP despite recent defections, Ladan said abandoning the Party would amount to betraying the trust and sacrifices of loyal supporters.
“The PDP umbrella may look torn today, but some of us are determined to remain and rebuild it,” he said.
He maintained that the defection of the State governor, Caleb Mutfwang to the All Progressives Congress (APC) had created a vacuum within the opposition Party, adding that consultations with stakeholders and supporters informed his decision to join the governorship race.
Ladan, however, appealed to his supporters to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the political season.
“This is democracy, not a do-or-die affair. Every aspirant has the right to seek the mandate of the people,” he said.
Some stakeholders at the event also argued that younger leaders should be allowed to govern, saying the energy and ideas of the youth were needed to reposition Plateau State for growth and stability.
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