A group known as the Concerned Mikang Youth Vanguard has criticised former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. George Edwards Daika, over his recent statement titled “Power Belongs to the People,” accusing him of rejecting the outcome of the APC House of Assembly primary election in Mikang Constituency.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the group described Daika’s position as contradictory, arguing that while he publicly advocates for the supremacy of the people’s will, he appears unwilling to accept the outcome of the democratic process that produced Rt. Hon. Daniel Nanlong as the winner of the APC primary election.
According to the group, the people of Mikang freely participated in the primary election and overwhelmingly voted for Nanlong, who reportedly secured victory in three out of the four districts in the constituency.
The group maintained that the election outcome reflected the collective decision of party members and stakeholders rather than the influence of any individual or political office holder.
“The ballot has defeated the narrative,” the statement read, adding that the people of Mikang had spoken clearly through the democratic process.
The Concerned Mikang Youth Vanguard further stated that voters in the constituency were increasingly rejecting politics driven by entitlement and personal ambition in favour of leadership based on credibility, accessibility, and grassroots acceptance.
The group acknowledged Daika’s past contributions to public service, noting that he had served as Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and also represented the people at the national level.
However, it argued that public office holders should also be assessed based on their impact on the lives of ordinary citizens, including job creation, youth empowerment, and community development initiatives.
On the issue of zoning, the group claimed that Daika had previously acknowledged an agreement among stakeholders to address zoning concerns after the 2027 elections, thereby allowing all aspirants to contest freely for the APC ticket.
The statement noted that having accepted that arrangement before the primary election, it was difficult to justify renewed arguments over zoning after a winner had emerged.
The youth group insisted that Nanlong’s victory was a reflection of the confidence reposed in him by party members and grassroots supporters across the constituency.
It also cautioned against attempts by any individual to assume the role of sole spokesman for the people of Mikang, stressing that the constituency has respected elders, women, youths, and community leaders whose voices also matter.
The group urged political actors to promote humility, fairness, and respect for democratic processes, adding that leadership ultimately derives legitimacy from the people.
According to the statement, the APC primary election had been concluded and the outcome should be respected by all parties involved.
The statement concluded that if power truly belongs to the people, then the mandate freely given through the ballot box must be accepted and respected.
The statement was signed by the Concerned Mikang Youth Vanguard.