Rufus Bature, the All Progressives Congress chairman in Plateau, says the party would fully participate in the local government elections slated for October 9, 2024.

Mr Bature stated this on Monday, in Jos at the party’s critical stakeholders meeting.

The chairman said that with all things being equal, they intended to participate in the contest and win the polls convincingly. He said his conviction was based on the party’s level of preparedness and the anticipated support from members, most especially the critical stakeholders.

According to him, right from the time the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) announced its preparedness to conduct the LG polls, the APC state working committee quickly appointed a desk officer to monitor its activities.

The APC chair stated, “We also assigned the organising secretary together with the welfare officer to closely monitor the activities of PLASIEC concerning the elections. So far, so good, since then, the assigned officers have not given us any cause to be afraid.

“Preparatory to the elections, a well-thought-out itinerary was rolled out, which included, among other things, the sale of forms, screening of aspirants, and the primary elections. The primaries were adjudged as one of the most credible, peaceful, transparent, as well as free and fair primary.

“Furthermore, appeal panels were set up to hear petitions arising from the conduct of the primary elections, and to our admiration and satisfaction, all went well.”

Mr Bature added, “Notwithstanding our challenges, the APC is on the threshold of changing the political narrative if we put our act together and capitalise on the inadequacies of the People’s Democracy Party (PDP) led administration.”

Meanwhile, Simon Lalong (APC/Plateau South) has commended stakeholders for the peaceful primaries.

Mr Lalong said that in the few places where there were disputes, the party had mechanisms to settle without rancour.

The former governor urged all stakeholders to work for the success of the local government elections, describing it as a litmus test for the party.

“What is for us to build the party as grassroots is LG elections, and we must work hard to emerge victorious,” he urged. 

(NAN)