A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa, Bala John, has advised Salihu Alizaga, Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, to respect the party’s decision in the upcoming LG elections.

Mr John advised on Wednesday while speaking with journalists in Wakama, Nassarawa Eggon local government area.

The APC chieftain said his advice came on the heels of a meeting called by Mr Alizaga on July 18 in Nasarawa Eggon after the party’s leadership earlier called for stakeholders meeting on July 17.

Mr John explained that the party zoned the chairmanship seat to Nasarawa Eggon East while advising the commissioner and his group to abide by the party’s decision in the interest of peace.

“Let the commissioner respect the party as anything that they have discussed during their meeting amounted to nothing as the party is supreme,” said Mr John. “I strongly feel that Hon. Alizaga, who called another meeting after a meeting that was earlier called by the party in Nassarawa Eggon local government area, should respect the party structure.”

He added, “When the party called for the meeting, he told us that the meeting’s invitation was extended to everybody, including government appointees.

“And in this meeting, distinguished Senator Godiya Akwashiki, Alhaji Mohammed Aggah, member representing Nassarawa Eggon East constituency and chairmanship aspirants among critical stakeholders were present.”

Mr John also explained why the Akun and Agidi development areas stakeholders and party executive members zoned the chairmanship seat to Nasarawa Eggon East for a second term.

“In the meeting called by the party, we (stakeholders), including party executive members, have endorsed the former council boss, Alhaji Mohammed Danlami Idris (Odasco), for second term in office.

“This followed agreement reached by stakeholders from Nassarawa Eggon East and Nassarawa Eggon West, respectively. Re-electing Danlami Idris, who is from Eggon East, for a second term will provide an opportunity for power shift to Eggon West after the expiration of his six years in office,” he said.

Mr Alizaga and other stakeholders, while speaking at a meeting he called on July 18, zoned the chairmanship seat to Nasarawa Eggon West as against the decision of the party leadership.