In a decisive move to enhance electoral transparency, the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), led by its new Chairman, Hon. Plangji Daniel Cishak, has reaffirmed its commitment to a fair and open process for the upcoming local government elections.
During a significant meeting with the Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA), Hon. Cishak emphasized the commission’s crucial role in managing this democratic exercise. He outlined PLASIEC’s strategies to uphold global best practices in election management, focusing on integrity and the responsible dissemination of information. “We are here to bring excellence in electoral administration,” he stated, highlighting the commission’s efforts to address legal and administrative gaps for a seamless electoral process.
Hon. Cishak stressed the importance of engaging modern media platforms to promote transparency and build public trust. He called for constructive criticism and collaboration, inviting newsmen to provide guidance and feedback. “You have the permission to correct us and criticize objectively,” he remarked, signaling a new era of openness and accountability in PLASIEC’s operations. This engagement with digital media marks a significant step towards ensuring that the local government elections are conducted with the highest standards of transparency and public confidence.
The Chairman also reflected on the Commission’s broader objectives, emphasizing the necessity of cultivating a culture of electoral integrity. This involves a thorough assessment of existing legal and administrative frameworks. “We are taking time to assess what we have here, to see the gaps, whether legal or administrative, and how we can fill them,” he noted. This approach aims to reinforce PLASIEC’s capacity to manage elections effectively and uphold democratic values.
Furthermore, Hon. Cishak expressed gratitude for the trust placed in the Commission by the state’s leadership and reiterated his commitment to a transparent electoral process. “This is a very sensitive assignment,” he said, “and His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang carefully selected the members of this commission to ensure we uphold the highest standards.” The collaborative efforts between PLASIEC and the media are expected to play a crucial role in maintaining transparency and integrity in the upcoming local government elections.
Mr. Pam Davou, Secretary of the commission, highlighted the commitment to excellence and transparency. “The Chairman and members, as you can see, are serious-minded people,” Mr. Davou stated, reinforcing the dedication and integrity of the current leadership team. He emphasized that the Commission is open to scrutiny and welcomes constructive feedback from newsmen. “You are free to call us to order where you think we are missing our steps,” he said, inviting the media to actively participate in monitoring and enhancing the electoral process.
Mr. Davou further stressed that the Commission values the advice and perspectives of newsmen, seeing them as crucial partners in achieving a transparent electoral system. “If you want the best out of the system, it will not be out of place for you to offer advice,” he noted.
He expressed optimism about the potential for this partnership to yield positive outcomes for the people of Plateau State and set a benchmark for other regions.
The Director-General of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, APC-PCC, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, has criticised those accusing the ruling party of failing to address insecurity, saying they did nothing to tackle the problem for over 20 years.
Yari made the remarks on Saturday during the APC presidential rally in Jos, Plateau State, while defending the administration of President Bola Tinubu against criticisms over its handling of insecurity.
"Those who are saying we don't have a plan for security, I want to remind them that they did nothing about insecurity for over 20 years because it started during their time," Yari said
The former governor of Zamfara State assured Nigerians that the APC would implement its manifesto, adding that the party expected to achieve almost all its promises by 2031.
Yari also expressed confidence in the APC's chances in Plateau State ahead of the 2027 general election.
He said political leaders and influential figures in the state had assured President Tinubu of their support.
Yari further praised Tinubu's leadership, particularly over the increase in revenue accruing to the Federation Account.
He recalled that the President inherited a federation account balance of N732 billion in June 2023, but said the figure had since risen to trillions of naira.
The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has declared that it would not endorse any politician or political party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Chairman, Board of Trustees of the League, Sheikh Muhammad Habibullah Adam Abdullahi El-Ilory, made this declaration at the opening of a three-day conference organised by the League for Imams, Alfas, political office holders and traditional rulers.
The event, which took place in Ibadan on Saturday, was attended by Governor Seyi Makinde, President of the League, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiy Abubakar, Alfa Agba of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulbari Adetunji, Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola, Secretary General of the League, Sheikh Mustapha Oseni Adewale Hamzat and Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrim Welfare Board (Muslim Wing) Sheikh Hashim Atere and Professor Kamil Olosho.
Others are Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Daud Akinola, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Olaoye, Onigbeti of Igbeti, Oba Bashir Abioye, Professor Amidu Sanni, Professor Adam Surajudeen and Iyalode Adini of Yorubaland, Alhaja Sedeekat Aderibigbe, alongside other notable Islamic clerics, scholars and Muslims from Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Lagos and Ondo states.
Abdullahi El-Ilory while speaking on behalf of the League, explained that the group cannot declare support or announce any politician or political party as its choice for the forthcoming general elections.
He explained that the only thing the League can do and is still doing is to pray to God to give Nigerians credible leaders that will make life more meaningful for the citizens.
Abdullahi El-Ilory said, "We are religious leaders, we are not politicians, but we are the fathers of politicians. We will not declare support for any political party or politicians.
"We the league of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland cannot declare support or announce our support for any politician or political party. We can only pray to God for Him to give us credible leaders."
Makinde, while addressing the gathering, urged Nigerians to see themselves as one.
He advised Muslim clerics not to allow people to use religion to cause confusion in the forthcoming general elections.
Kewulere, in his contribution, noted that the focus of clerics should be to guide the people and preach the religion of Islam.
He said, "We are not politicians. An Imam is not supposed to be involved in politics. Our focus should be to guide people and preach the religion of Islam in line with the Islamic principles."
Ishola, on his part, explained that the programme was organised in order to ensure unity and cooperation among Muslims in Yorubaland before, during and after the general elections.