2023 Plateau governorship: Group warns Lalong against imposition

A group under the umbrella of Equity and Justice Forum, Plateau State has warned Governor Simon Lalong and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to refrain its action against the alleged imposition of a gubernatorial candidate or lose the state in the 2023 general election.

Chairman of the Forum, Barr. Omar Shittien and Co-Chairman, Chief Samu’ila Danko Makama stated this during a press conference in Jos, said the APC is sliding into the mistake the PDP committed in 2015.

Shittien who read the text said the Forum was made up of stakeholders and political entity that led to the emergence of APC in Plateau in 2015 and it will also lead protest vote against the success of the party in 2023 if they party imposed candidate against the wish and aspirations of the people.

“As a Forum, we sensitized Plateau men and women across party lines and teaming voters not to vote the imposed candidate of the PDP in 2015 for a better Plateau. This gave rise to the mantra “Plateau Project”.

“Unfortunately, it is now evident that the present administration and beneficiary of the Plateau Project appears not to appreciate the efforts of the good people of Plateau in combating injustice and undemocratic processes. Instead, we see anti people policy and undemocratic processes playing out within the party.

“We are lending our voices against the undemocratic act about to be executed by the present leadership of the ruling party in the State. What started as a rumour that there is an anointed candidate in the APC that must win the Governorship primary election at all cost is gradually becoming an unacceptable reality.

“In as much as we acknowledge that any member of the party has the constitutional right to support any aspirant of his/her choice within the APC, what is worrisome is the crooked process been taking to ensure a particular candidate clinches the APC gubernatorial ticket at all cost and against popular wishes”.

The Forum cautioned against the alleged hijacking and manipulation of delegates forms for onward distribution to specific stooges to be used as delegates for the primary election to deliver the anointed candidate.

“The preferential treatment given a particular candidate at the expense of all other governorship aspirants who have deployed their resources, time and energy since the onset of the APC and its victory in 2015 and 2019, and for its sustenance is a total show of ingratitude to them and their huge supporters.

“The consequences that will ensue to the contrary will result in a repeat of 2015, where another party will take over the state. With a strong voice we call on the governor and the leadership of the party to allow all aspirants access to delegates and to ensure release of delegates forms allegedly hijacked for onward and equal distribution to those who wish to be delegates and allow the delegates elections to hold.”