BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – The Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong has distanced himself from the name-dropping drama currently trending in the state, saying there are no preferred candidates for political offices ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Governor Lalong was reacting to mounting speculations in the public space and within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) family that he has already endorsed a candidate to take over from him as governor next year.
Addressing APC stakeholders’ meeting in Jos, the Plateau State capital, the governor said contrary to insinuations from different quarters, there is no reason for him to endorse aspirants for different offices when such a sensitive decision is in the hands of the Party’s stakeholders and supporters.
He told the stakeholders; “I have not adopted or anointed 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.”
According to him; “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, state, and nation”.
Governor Lalong also said the APC will continue to encourage members to build consensus from the grassroots as well as healthy competition among aspirants, and their supporters before, during, and after the elections.
The governor assured that all the aspirants will be given a level playing field to test their popularity and acceptance, but only one person will emerge for any office, even as he cautioned against negative campaigns by aspirants and their supporters that could become counterproductive for the APC.
While praising APC members for their support and sacrifices, particularly during the last bye-elections in which the party won one and lost one, he however assured that all 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 this administration.
