An aspirant in the just concluded gubernatorial primary of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Plateau State, Prof. Patrick Dakum has described the exercise as a sham and highly compromised by top government officials.
Dr. Dakum who briefed Journalists in Jos said the election was characterise with irregularities which led his walk out along other aspirants, including the state deputy governor, Professor Sonni Tyoden.
He explained that they walked out when it became obvious and glaring that the venue had been infiltrated by top government officials, siblings and relations of the governor, who were not delegates.
“The election was highly compromised, marred by intimidation of delegates by siblings, relations of the governor and top Government officials in the State and other avoidable irregularities that tampered with its integrity.
“The primary election was not a true reflection of the minds of the delegates and party faithfuls, as it fell short of what is expected of an election that should be transparent, free, fair and credible.
“It is not only the aspirants that were robbed but Plateau State because the delegates which represented the state were not given the opportunity to elect who they believe in. It is a set back to our state”
Dr Dakum appreciated all those involved in the “Consolidation Movement”, saying the goal of going into the contest for Governorship was borne out of deep passion for Plateau State, inclusivity in the governance of the State and a deep passion not to “throw the baby with the bath water”.
According to him, it was sadden that during the primaries the Local Government Area that started the election (Qua’an-Pan LGA), only two delegates could write, even when it was obvious that most of them were literate, adding that the same thing played out in other Local Government Areas.
He noted that the venue was flooded with Local Government Council Chairmen and officials who were around to influence who delegates will vote for as the delegates were not given the opportunity to freely cast their votes for the Aspirant of their choice, as an agent of one of the aspirants was the one voting on behalf of the delegates.
“There was a lot of intimidation on the delegates, you could see them being very terrified as you could see government officials hovering all over the place to ensure the delegates go a particular direction” he said.
Dakum said he along with other aspirants walked out because the result of the primaries will not reflect the true mind of the APC members in Plateau State and reiterated that the Primaries was compromised and wasn’t in a way that will reflect the best in the Candidate.
He said all the aggrieved aspirants have channeled their complaints to the Appeal Committee and awaiting the verdict to know the next line of action to take.
He pointed out that if nothing is done about their petition, he will consult with the stakeholders and people who believe in the consolidation vision to take the appropriate decision.
“I will also put my ears to the spiritual ground to know the conviction God is giving me in my heart, if I am to stay in the party and work for it and the Candidate or otherwise”, he said.
Dakum urged his supporters to stay calm and peaceful as they engage the leadership of the party to look into the issues presented.
