Ahead of the March 18 governorship and House of Assembly elections, the indigenes of Plateau State living in the United States (U.S.) have said they have not endorsed any candidate or political party for the polls.
The group, under the auspices of the Plateau State Association USA, Inc. (PSA-USA), stated this in a statement signed by its national president, Dr. Barth Shepkong yesterday and made available to newsmen in Abuja.
According to Shepkong, “while PSA USA does not endorse any single candidate or party, we strongly support a peaceful and transparent process that reflects the will of the people of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
“In the upcoming gubernatorial and house of assembly elections, we encourage voters to remain peaceful and patient as they cast their votes.
“We urge all political parties and candidates to abide by the signed Peace Accord and fully commit to supporting all efforts that ensure that only the Nigerian people decide who wins the election(s).
“It is imperative for Nigeria’s stability and democratic consolidation that the process is conducted and concluded safely and credibly.
“We encourage all actors to calm tensions and avoid violence of any sort proactively,” he said.
Shepkong said the association would support and partner with whoever won the election in the state “as we continue to advocate for good governance.
“Working with Plateau State citizens in the Diaspora will help create a sense of belonging and cement our passionate interests in contributing significantly to our state’s socioeconomic and political development.”
The Plateau Vanguard for Democracy (PVD) has defended Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s move to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a strategic political decision driven by wisdom, evolving political realities, and the need to secure long-term gains for Plateau State.
Speaking in a statement issued on behalf of the group, the National Coordinator of PVD, Chris Ishaku, said recent developments within the opposition had vindicated Governor Mutfwang’s political calculations, particularly amid growing uncertainty surrounding the future of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
According to Ishaku, the PDP has steadily drifted into instability, pointing to emerging reports that even the chairman of the Governors’ Forum has also sought another platform for his loyalists.
“Governor Mutfwang saw ahead of many others. The reality today is that the PDP has no clear future, and responsible leaders must position their people where opportunities and stability exist,” Ishaku said.
He said such developments clearly showed that the opposition party was losing cohesion and could no longer provide the stable political platform required to sustain governance and development.
The group maintained that Governor Mutfwang’s alignment with the APC had already started yielding practical dividends for Plateau State, both politically and economically.
PVD specifically cited the growing atmosphere of peace among political elites in the state, noting that the reduction in political hostility and internal rivalry had created a more stable environment for governance.
The group also pointed to the Federal Government’s recent decision to commence work on the Akwanga-Jos road project as one of the immediate gains linked to Plateau State’s improved relationship with the centre.
“The commencement of the Akwanga-Jos road is a practical signal that Plateau is now benefiting from stronger cooperation with the Federal Government. These are the gains of strategic political alignment,” he added.
According to the statement, the strategic road corridor is expected to significantly improve transportation, boost commerce and ease movement into Plateau State, while also enhancing security and economic activities across the region.
Ishaku further argued that with the distractions of internal political bickering substantially reduced, the Mutfwang administration could now focus more squarely on governance, infrastructure and development programmes aimed at improving the lives of Plateau citizens.
The group urged Plateau people to support the governor’s political direction, insisting that the state stands to gain more through unity, stability and constructive engagement with the Federal Government.
Member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, has received overwhelming support from party faithfuls and residents as he commenced a ward-to-ward tour across the constituency ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries.
The tour, which is expected to cover wards across Pankshin, Kanke, and Kanam Local Government Areas in the coming days, began with a massive turnout of supporters in several wards in Pankshin Local Government Area.
Communities visited during the first phase of the tour included Tal, Jiblik, Garram, Chip, Langkang, Belning, Kangshu, Kadung, and Fier, where large crowds gathered to welcome the federal lawmaker.
Addressing supporters during the visits, Gagdi expressed appreciation for the warm reception and overwhelming show of support, pledging to continue delivering democratic dividends to the people.
He urged constituents to avoid politics driven by bitterness, falsehood, religion, or ethnic sentiments, stressing that leadership should be evaluated based on performance and tangible achievements.
According to him, his focus over the past eight years has been on bringing development and progress to the constituency, assuring the people that he would sustain the momentum if re-elected for another term.
The lawmaker stated that electoral choices should be based on proven records and service delivery rather than the number of times a candidate has contested or won elections.
“My appeal is for the people to vote for someone they know has worked for them and has visible evidence of performance,” he said.
Gagdi further assured constituents of his continued commitment to inclusive representation, development projects, and effective service delivery, noting that he remains dedicated to advancing the interests of the people of Pankshin, Kanke, and Kanam Federal Constituency.
He also called on APC faithfuls to support candidates with credible records during the party primaries, describing unity and support for performing leaders as critical to the progress of the party and the constituency.
Yusuf Adamu Gagdi is seeking a third term in the House of Representatives under the platform of the APC.
Henry Shalyen shaiyen
March 10, 2023 at 9:53 pm
Very good idea at this period you should not be found to be partisan.