PDP Claims Sweeping Victory Across Plateau State’s 17 LGAs in 2024 Local Government Elections

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) achieved a decisive victory in the Plateau State local government elections held on October 9, 2024, securing control over all 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs). The election results, announced by the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) in Jos, confirmed a complete sweep for the PDP in both chairmanship and councillorship positions.

Election Results and Certificates of Return

PLASIEC Chairman, Plangji Cishak, revealed the results during a brief ceremony at the Commission’s headquarters. He presented certificates of return to the newly elected officials, officially confirming their victories. Despite participation from candidates representing 11 political parties, the PDP emerged victorious across all LGAs, underscoring its strong foothold in the region.

The following PDP candidates were declared winners across the LGAs:

  1. Stephen Gyang – Barkin Ladi LGA
  2. Bernard Alkali – Mikang LGA
  3. Nichokas Kemi Nshe – Shendam LGA
  4. Joshua Sunday Riti – Bassa LGA
  5. Bature Sati – Riyom LGA
  6. Silas Patrick Dung – Jos South LGA
  7. Markus Nyam – Jos East LGA
  8. Salihu Musa – Kanam LGA
  9. Christopher Audu Manshep – Qua’anpan LGA
  10. Nanfa Nbin – Langtang South LGA
  11. John K. Chris – Jos North LGA
  12. Amalau Samuel – Bokkos LGA
  13. Hamisu Anani – Wase LGA
  14. Emmanuel Mwolpun – Mangu LGA
  15. Pirfa Jingfa – Langtang North LGA

This victory solidifies the PDP’s control over the state’s local governance landscape, a development that the party has hailed as a mandate for continuity in governance and developmental projects across Plateau State.

Disputed Election Process and APC’s Allegations

The All Progressives Congress (APC), however, voiced strong discontent with the election process, condemning it as unfair and flawed. Shittu Bamaiyi, APC’s Acting Publicity Secretary, criticized PLASIEC for what he termed a “disaster” in election administration, accusing the Commission and the PDP-led government of orchestrating widespread irregularities.

“The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission is a total disappointment and a disaster as far as the local government elections are concerned,” Bamaiyi stated.

Bamaiyi highlighted several alleged irregularities, including delays in voting and an apparent shortage of ballot papers in areas with significant APC support. According to the APC, only 20% of the required ballot papers were provided in LGAs such as Kanke, Kanam, Wase, Shendam, Langtang South, Bokkos, Jos North, Pankshin, and Bassa. He attributed these issues to deliberate attempts by the PDP to suppress APC’s voting power.

The APC called on its supporters to remain calm, affirming that the party intends to pursue legal recourse to challenge the election results.

“The APC is determined to do everything within the law to ensure that the right things are done,” Bamaiyi added.

PLASIEC’s Response and Confirmation of Results

Despite these accusations, PLASIEC upheld the election’s integrity, affirming that the polls were conducted within legal parameters and declaring the results official. Cishak emphasized that the elections followed due process and met all necessary legal requirements. With the results certified, the PDP’s control over Plateau State’s local governments is now formalized, marking a significant shift in political dynamics at the local level.

Vote Tallies Across Key LGAs

In some LGAs, the PDP’s margin over its rivals was substantial, underscoring its popularity among Plateau State’s electorate. A breakdown of selected vote tallies reveals the following results:

  • Bassa LGA: APC – 3,319; PDP – 22,303
  • Mikang LGA: APC – 9,506; PDP – 15,081
  • Shendam LGA: APC – 26,679; PDP – 34,566
  • Riyom LGA: Labour Party – 6,659; PDP – 49,342
  • Jos South LGA: APC – 7,050; Labour Party – 7,967; PDP – 49,342
  • Jos East LGA: APC – 10,885; PDP – 12,765
  • Kanam LGA: APC – 29,874; PDP – 71,946
  • Qua’anpan LGA: APC – 22,924; PDP – 35,264
  • Jos North LGA: APC – 8,497; PDP – 97,002
  • Mangu LGA: APC – 15,915; PDP – 64,639

These results reflect a strong endorsement of the PDP in the state’s rural and urban areas alike, with particularly high margins in LGAs like Kanam and Jos North.

Looking Forward: PDP’s Governance Agenda

With its sweeping victory, the PDP now has a robust mandate to implement its governance agenda across Plateau State’s local governments. Party leaders and winning candidates have pledged to focus on critical issues such as economic development, infrastructure improvements, and social welfare programs to enhance the quality of life for residents.

The local government chairmen and councillors will be tasked with fulfilling the PDP’s promises, a responsibility that party officials have underscored as a top priority following the election.

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