Plateau State Local Government elections were generally peaceful but experienced a very low turnout of voters allegedly due to the tension that predicated the conduct of the exercise.
Another possible reason attributed to the low turnout is the non-participation of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the elections.
Recall that State High Court sitting in Jos, had on 29th September 2021 dismissed a suit filed by the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), challenging the decision of the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), which had excluded the party from participating in the local government council polls.
Furthermore, the PDP went to the Court of Appeal, in Jos, seeking an injunction to stop the conduct of the polls, but the court denied them the request, saying since the tenure of the elected officials at the local government had elapsed, a vacuum cannot be created.
Our correspondent for Matthewtegha Blog while monitoring and accessing activities of the Saturday 9th October Local Government Elections across local Government areas including Jos South, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Mangu and Kanke LGAs revealed the polls were peaceful though voter apathy was noticed in most of the areas especially polling units visited.
In Jos South Local Government Area, the Deputy Chairmanship Candidate of the APC and former Leader of Jos South LGC Legislative Arm, Hon. Ayuba Jagaba commended the peaceful atmosphere experienced for the election and further stated that, if elected into office, the administration will provide good governance, attract infrastructural development and ensure that the challenges bedeviling the Area are surmounted.
The Acting Management Committee Chairman of Jos South LGA, Hon. Tok Gyang lauded the zeal being displayed by the people to elect leaders of their choices in a democratic setting and peaceful environment.
According to him, the turnout was impressive.
At Riyom LGA, the Plateau State Commissioner of Information and Communication, Hon. Dan Manjang, NIPR said the elections were being conducted peacefully an attestation of the peaceful nature of the State.
He charged the people to embrace one another, be peaceful and accept the will of the people in the elections since leadership is ordained by God and part of God’s divine arrangement.
On the exclusion of the main opposition party, PDP, he said the APC has no hand in the exclusion as the party is the architect of its problems.
He commended the APC Candidate, Hon. Mafeng Gwallson for his developmental strides and expressed optimism that he will perform creditably well.
Hon. Mafeng Gwallson, the APC Chairmanship Candidate Riyom LGC and the immediate past Management Committee Chairman said the huge turnout was possible owing to the level of mobilization at the Ward level.
He applauded PLASIEC for ensuring materials are distributed and got to polling units in good time.
According to him, his administration will work to ensure peace is restored, the economy is strengthened and wealth is created for the people. He assured to accord greater attention to the non-formal sector and empowerment of the people.
At Barkin Ladi LGA, the Immediate past Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, a two-time House of Assembly Member Barkin Ladi Constituency from 1999-2007 and State Chairmanship Aspirant of the APC, Hon. Rufus Bature lauded the elections for being without rancour.
He assured the people that Da Jock Alamba the APC Candidate will carry out massive infrastructural development and transform the Area.
“The people of Barkin Ladi should expect a robust and people-oriented administration”
“Da Hon. Jock Alamba is a performer who will not disappoint the people going by his track records as a new Barkin Ladi is underway” he said.
According to him, he will focus on genuine reconciliation and mass grassroots mobilization for the ruling party if elected State Chairman.
He disclosed that the APC is doing a lot to address the insecurity and other challenges the country is experiencing.
At Mangu LGA, a Stalwart of the APC, Chief Ayuba Gufwan adjudged the elections as credible, free and fair considering the calm and peaceful atmosphere.
He charged the electorates to conduct themselves peacefully so that the fragile peace is not tampered with.
“Expectations are high on all the candidates to be elected and they must ensure they perform above board to deliver dividends of democracy to the people in their respective LGAs and Wards” he concluded.
At Kanke LGA, Nde Dimka Victor David, a retired Comptroller of Customs hinted that he is pleased and impressed with the conduct of the elections and applauded PLASIEC for ensuring that the polls are peaceful, credible and fair.
He commended the impressive turnout which he said was indication that the Chairmanship and Councillorship Candidates are popular and loved by the people.
He lauded the orderliness of the people.
“Democracy begins with the locals at the grassroot levels and the people are being involved in the elections of those who will govern them” he hinted.
He expressed delight that people at the grassroot are beginning to know their rights and duties as citizens.
Hon. Henry Gotip, the APC Chairmanship Candidate for Kanke LGC who was flanked by the Senator representing Central Zone, Nde Hezekiah Dimka, Hon. Tamwakat Weli Plateau State Commissioner of Tourism, Barr. Wallok Philip Members representing Kanke Constituency Plateau State House of Assembly, other APC stalwarts in the Area said he is impressed with the high turnout of electorates in the area which is an indication that APC is grounded in Kanke LGA.
He lauded the people for the huge support accorded him promising not to disappoint the trust but justify same with optimal performance.
He said if elected, he will ensure that good governance is provided for the people, run an all-inclusive governance, be proactive by providing the definition of local governance to the people, involve more youths and women in the governance process.
Member representing Kanke Constituency, Hon. Wallok Philip said despite the absence of an opponent, he is delighted by the huge turnout by the people to affirm that they believe in the capacity of the Chairmanship Candidate and demonstration of their loyalty to the ruling party.
He said the infrastructural deficit in the area will soon be addressed through the provision of basic amenities such as hospitals, schools, water etc which will be put in place.
He said as a representative of the people, he has moved motion on the absence of a Medical Doctor in the entire area.
He promised to make laws that will have direct impact on the people and ensure the yearnings and aspirations of the people are well represented.