Lalong denies backing any aspirant for 2023 elections – Nexus News
Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, has denied backing or selecting any candidate for the governorship or any political position in the 2023 general elections.
Lalong, while speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Stakeholders’ meeting in Jos, Plateau State, yesterday, made the announcement to oppose reports that he had anointed a successor and endorsed other candidates contesting various offices.
His words: “I have not adopted or anointed any aspirant for the governorship or any other office. While very suitable members of our party have indicated an interest in different offices, we are carrying out consultations with 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 pray to God to guide all of us to make a choice that is in the best interest of the people, our state and nation.”
A press release by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr. Makut Macham, cited the governor as saying that the party would continue to encourage members to build consensus from the grassroots and healthy competition among contestants and their fans before, during and after the elections.
The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Idris Wase, implored Plateau APC members to come together and work for the progress of the party at the local, state and national levels.
Plateau State House of Assembly Speaker, Yakubu Sanda, implored members of the party to close ranks and get rid of divisive tendencies that could cost the party electoral victory, stated that the state’s party chairman, Rufus Bature, said the party mapped out strategies for more electoral successes and reconciliation.
MEANWHILE, Commissioners have raised over N60 million to obtain Senate form for Lalong.
According to a press release, yesterday by the Chairman of Plateau Commissioners’ Forum, Yakubu Dati, the forum took the step to honor their principal based on his diverse achievements in the state.
“Lalong has restored Plateau to its place of reckoning by promoting peaceful coexistence and developmental projects for the benefit of the common citizens, irrespective of tribe or religion,” Dati said.
The commissioners further listed the leadership qualities of Lalong who, as the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), endorsed unity and tolerance among different ethics.
Dati said the senate position would allow the country to benefit from Lalong’s displayed leadership potential and implored the youths, women, elders, both appointed and elected beneficiaries, to support other stakeholders who are meeting day and night to key into the victory train.
