By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
The Labour Party has urged the Plateau State government to guarantee free, fair, and transparent local government elections scheduled for October 9, 2024.
This call was made during a press conference on October 1, 2024, at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Jos.
Leading the call, Hon. Engr. Dalyop Chollom, who represents the Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency and chairs the Labour Party Campaign Council in Plateau State, underscored the necessity of electoral integrity.
Hon. Chollom commended Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s administration for its inclusive policies, yet he emphasized the crucial need for fairness in the upcoming elections.
“Your human-oriented policies, which have been all-inclusive, must be acknowledged. You have promoted interfaith understanding, community engagement, and social cohesion since assuming office. However, it is crucial that these principles guide the conduct of the elections.”
“The PLASIEC under Hon. Plangji Daniel Chishak must adhere to its statutory mandate and provide a level playing field for all political parties. The assurances of free and fair elections must be upheld in practice. Any deviation from neutrality would undermine the confidence of the Plateau electorate,” he stated.
Addressing circulating rumors about Labour Party candidates withdrawing from the race, Hon. Chollom vehemently rejected these claims and condemned the vandalism of Labour Party billboards and banners throughout Plateau State, describing such acts as undemocratic.
He stated “Let me make it categorically clear that the Labour Party is contesting all positions—Chairmanship and Councilorship—in the state. None of our candidates have stepped down for anyone. The spread of such false information is appalling and must be refuted.”
“The destruction of our campaign materials is unacceptable. It is uncivil and stands against the values of democracy.”
In addition, Hon. Chollom called on PLASIEC to promptly convene a stakeholders’ meeting to address any concerns regarding the elections. He emphasized that this engagement would assist in resolving any lingering issues and restoring public confidence in the electoral process.
“PLASIEC should summon a stakeholders’ engagement to discuss any issues regarding the forthcoming elections. The process must align with the governor’s assurances of a free and fair exercise.”
Furthermore, he called upon political actors throughout the state to respect the democratic process and refrain from actions that could incite violence or disrupt the elections.
According to him, the success of the upcoming elections will have significant implications for the democratic future of the state.
Therefore, he encouraged the people of Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and all of Plateau State to participate actively and vote for Labour Party candidates.
“I call on all people within Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency, and by extension, the entire Plateau electorate, to come out en masse and vote for the candidates of the Labour Party in the forthcoming elections on October 9th, 2024,” he affirmed.
