The Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong has informed his party stakeholders in Jos that he has not endorsed or any candidate for Governorship or any political office in the forthcoming general elections.
He made the declaration while addressing the All Progressives Congress (APC) Stakeholders meeting in Government House in Jos.
Lalong made this clarification over unconfirmed insinuations that he has anointed a successor and also endorsed other aspirants contesting for various offices in the state.
Reacting to the insinuation, he said, “I have not endorsed any aspirant for Governor or any other office. While very suitable members of our party have indicated interest to vie for different offices, we are carrying out consultations with all key stakeholders to ensure that at the end of the day, the best persons emerge to fly our party’s flag.
When such time comes, we will make it public and not hide it. I am praying that God will guide all of us to make a choice that is in the best interest of the people and our state and nation”.
According to him, the party will continue to encourage members to build consensus from the grassroots and build healthy competition among aspirants and their supporters before, during and after the elections.
He said although all the aspirants will be given a level playing field to test their popularity and acceptance, at the end of the day the will of the majority will prevail while only one person will emerge for any office.
Lalong cautioned against the negative campaigns and use of foul language by aspirants and their supporters, saying such could end up being counterproductive for the APC as the opposition will use it to discredit the party at the general elections.
On the deadline for public servants and appointees seeking elections to resign, he said he gave them till the end of this week for those yet to comply to do so in order not to fall foul of the new electoral law.
Lalong thanked the APC members for their support and sacrifices, particularly during the last bye-elections in which the party won one and lost one, urging that they should close ranks to ensure victory in the forthcoming bye-elections for Bassa and Jos East State Constituencies.
He assured that the ongoing projects such as the British America Flyover, Legacy Projects and the Jos main market billed to commence soon will be completed before the end of his administration.
Similarly, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Idris Wase charged members of the APC in Plateau State to come together and work in unity for the success of the party at the Local, State and national levels.
- He admonished the party faithful to continue to support Governor Lalong who is the leader of APC in Plateau State, particularly towards ensuring that a smooth succession plan is attained where APC will retain the Governorship and win more seats at the State and Federal Levels.
