Governor Lalong of Plateau State. Can he influence choice of APC candidate for Plateau Southern Senatorial District by-election?
By Raymond Gukas, Jos
The ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC), is in a dilemma over the multitude of aspirants jostling to replace the late Senator Ignatius Longjan in the southern Plateau senatorial by-election.
The aspirants are jittery over the sincerity of purpose in the party’s leadership as some have alleged compromise on the part of the leaders.
Only a fortnight ago, the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Ahmed Idris Wase was alleged to have sympathy for one of the aspirants, a position that was strongly opposed from his camp.
On the other hand, Governor Simon Lalong’s camp is assuring the people that as a father, the governor view all aspirants as his own and would not undermine anyone’s aspiration; eventhough he is alleged to be pushing for one of the aspirants to emerge from the party.
From look of things the contest would determine the true leader of the party in the state if feelers from the polity is anything to go by.
Speculation have been rife within the state; pointing to the fact that in truth, aspirants are about to tear down the party based on their sponsors who are allegedly the two most powerful local and Abuja political figures in the state.
However, sources at the party’s secretariat in Jos who would not want their names in print confided in the Apex News Exclusive that at the end of the day, the contest would be between the Abuja and the local politicians based in the state.
Acting as a spoiler between the governor’s camp and the Abuja camp, made up of the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen and deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Wase, is the state party Chairman, Letep Dabang who, it was understood is waiting on the wings to spring a surprise with his own anointing.
At the moment, those aspiring to replace the late Senator Longjan are Professor Nora Ladi Daduut, Qua’an Pan Government Chairman, Hon Isaac Kwallu and John Dafaan, immediate past Chief of Staff to Lalong.
The party’s cohesion is no doubt threatened by the interest so far generated, and only a return to the dialogue table is what can quench the brewing controversy that may even lead to defections if not carefully handled.
