Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong says he has not endorsed or anointed any candidate for Governorship or any political office in the forth coming general elections.
Governor Lalong who spoke while addressing an APC Stakeholders meeting in Jos, made the clarification over unconfirmed insinuations that he has anointed a successor and also endorsed other aspirants contesting for various offices.
Lalong said “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. 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”.
Lalong also said the party will continue to encourage members to build consensus from the grassroots and build healthy competition among aspirants and thier 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.
The Governor also cautioned against negative campaign and use of foul language by aspirants and thier supporters, saying such could end up being counter productive for the APC as the opposition will use it to discredit the party at the general elections.
On the dateline for public sevants and appointees seeking elections to resign, Lalong gave up 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 also thanked the APC members for their support and sacrifices particularly during the last bye elections 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 this administration.
Also speaking, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. 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.
The Deputy Speaker advised all the aspirants for various offices not to be desperate as power comes from God alone.
Speaker Plateau State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda urged members of the party to close ranks and avoid divisive tendencies that will cost the party electoral victories.
Chairman of the APC in Plateau State Hon. Rufus Bature said the party has mapped out strategies for more electoral victories as well as reconciliation.
He also announced that the party office will soon move to Kalwa House from its present location where members will have more room for the party’s activities.
The ALGON and Elders Forum also gave goodwill messages where they assured of their continous loyalty to the party.
