…the outcome of the ADC Plateau primaries could play a key role in shaping the dynamics.
Jos, Nigeria – The iNews Times | ADC Plateau primaries have been successfully conducted in 15 of the 17 local government areas of Plateau State as the party intensifies preparations for the forthcoming September 9 local government elections in the state.
The development marks a major step in the party’s strategy to strengthen its grassroots presence ahead of the council polls, which are expected to attract participation from several political parties across the state.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the ADC Plateau primaries were organised as part of the internal processes required to select candidates for the chairmanship and councillorship positions that will be contested during the elections.
Speaking on the exercise, the Plateau State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mrs. Hanatu Gagara, said the primaries were largely peaceful across most of the participating local government areas.
She noted that the exercise demonstrated the party’s commitment to internal democracy and transparency in selecting its candidates ahead of the council elections.
According to her, the ADC Plateau primaries were successfully held in 15 local government areas, while the exercise did not take place in Mikang and Langtang South local government areas.
Gagara explained that the two councils were unable to participate in the process because their aspirants obtained nomination forms after the deadline had elapsed.
“What happened was that the two local governments came late to obtain the forms, and by then we couldn’t sell the forms anymore because the time had already elapsed,” she said.
Despite the development, the state chairman hinted that the situation might still be reviewed following recent communication from the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC).
According to her, the electoral body had extended the timeframe for the conduct of party primaries ahead of the council polls.
She said the leadership of the party only recently received the official communication regarding the extension and would study the development before taking a final decision.
“We have received the letter from PLASIEC extending the period for the primaries, and the party leadership will review the situation and determine the next line of action,” she said.
Political observers say the ADC Plateau primaries could significantly influence the party’s performance in the local government elections, especially as the ADC continues to position itself as a strong opposition force in the state.
Gagara expressed optimism about the party’s chances at the polls, noting that the ADC had presented competent candidates capable of winning the confidence of voters.
According to her, the party has carefully selected candidates for both chairmanship and councillorship positions across the participating local government areas.
She added that the emergence of the candidates through the ADC Plateau primaries reflects the party’s determination to provide credible leadership at the grassroots level.
The chairman also revealed that the party has been witnessing growing support across Plateau State, including defections from members of other political parties.
She said the increasing number of defectors reflects the confidence many residents have in the policies and leadership style of the African Democratic Congress.
“We are seeing people joining the party daily. Many of them believe in what the ADC stands for and want to contribute to the development of Plateau State through our platform,” she said.
Beyond the primaries, the party leadership also disclosed that the electronic registration of members was ongoing across the state.
According to Gagara, the digital registration exercise is aimed at strengthening the party’s membership database and ensuring that all members are properly documented ahead of future congresses and elections.
She urged members of the party to take advantage of the registration exercise to validate their membership.
“Our members are enthusiastic, especially now that they know the congresses are coming up,” she said.
To ensure the success of the exercise, the party said registration officials had already been deployed to various local government areas to supervise and assist members during the process.
Gagara further encouraged both existing and intending members of the party to visit their wards and local government offices to either complete their registration or confirm their membership details.
She emphasised that the exercise would help the party strengthen its grassroots structure and enhance participation in future political activities.
Political stakeholders in Plateau State say the outcome of the ADC Plateau primaries could play a key role in shaping the dynamics of the upcoming local government elections.
As political parties continue their preparations for the September polls, attention is gradually shifting toward candidate campaigns and voter mobilisation across the state.
For the ADC, the successful conduct of the primaries in most local government areas is seen as a crucial milestone in its efforts to consolidate its political presence and challenge other parties in the upcoming elections.
