The Plateau State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has pledged a transparent and inclusive process ahead of its primaries, assuring aspirants that no individual or group will receive preferential treatment.
State Chairman, Hon. Rufus Bature, represented by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Hon. Wumana Bako gave the assurance after a stakeholders meeting held Friday at the APC Secretariat, Kalwa House in Jos.
Addressing journalists, Bako emphasized that the party is committed to providing a level playing field for all aspirants contesting positions ranging from the State House of Assembly to the governorship.
He explained that the APC will adopt a two-step approach in selecting candidates, beginning with consensus arrangements. Where consensus fails, the party will conduct direct primaries in line with the Electoral Act. “The process is the same for every position. We will first explore consensus, and if that does not succeed, we proceed to direct primaries. There will be no special treatment for anyone,” he said.
The meeting, according to him, was aimed at sensitizing aspirants on the party’s guidelines and ensuring a peaceful and well-coordinated primary process. It also provided an opportunity for party leaders to interact with aspirants, clarify procedures, and outline expectations.
Bako noted that discussions during the session were cordial, focusing on unity and preparedness ahead of the elections. He added that aspirants were also guided on the purchase of expression of interest and nomination forms, as well as the timetable issued by the party’s national leadership.
On the role of political office holders, Bako clarified that while governors remain leaders of the party in their states, they do not have unilateral powers to determine outcomes.
“Governors will work with the State Working Committee to ensure a free and fair process. They are not there to impose candidates but to support credible primaries,” he stated.
He further stressed that the APC would strictly adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Act in resolving disputes and conducting primaries for all contested offices, including governorship and senatorial seats. Addressing concerns about recent defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bako dismissed fears of internal divisions, insisting that all members are now united under one platform.
“We have moved beyond the era of PDP and APC divisions. Everyone is now part of one indivisible party, working together as a family,” he said.
Reaffirming the party’s stance, he concluded: “There won’t be any special preferential treatment for any position. If consensus fails, direct primaries will apply across the board.”
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