Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has called on political leaders to regard party affiliations as tools to achieve shared objectives.
He stressed the importance of inclusive governance, asserting that his administration will not adopt a winner-takes-all mentality but rather pursue a framework that reflects the interests of all citizens.
The governor shared his views during a post-election review session organized by the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) on Wednesday in Jos.
The event aimed to discuss the challenges faced during the polls on October 9, 2024, and to develop strategies for future improvements.
Represented by Plateau State Secretary to the Government, Arch. Samuel Jatau, Governor Mutfwang commended the peaceful nature of the elections, noting that their orderly conduct made it seem as if “nothing happened.”
He credited the success to PLASIEC’s leadership and their dedication to fairness. Jatau emphasized the significance of unity and fairness in electoral processes, stating, “Political parties are merely vehicles for shared goals. Leaders must ensure equitable treatment for all, allowing elections to mirror the electorate’s will, even if that results in wins for candidates outside the ruling party. This inclusivity is vital for fostering peace and unity among the people of Plateau.”
He also encouraged participants to seize the opportunity provided by the engagement to identify successes, address gaps, and set higher standards for future elections, noting, “Receiving accolades is not an excuse to relax but a call to do even better.”
In his address, PLASIEC Chairman, Plangji Daniel Cishak, reiterated the commission’s dedication to enhancing electoral integrity.
“Since taking office, our objective has been to create a more effective institution grounded in integrity. We have conducted elections and performed thorough assessments to identify institutional weaknesses. This engagement enables us to collect feedback from stakeholders to enhance our processes”. He said.
Cishak disclosed that PLASIEC intends to partner with the Plateau State Advisory Consultative Committee on Election Security and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems in January 2025.
He noted that these collaborations would help in formulating strategic plans for the upcoming two to three years.
Stakeholders at the event, including members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), civil society organizations (CSOs), and the media, commended PLASIEC for organizing one of the most peaceful and credible local government elections in Plateau’s history.
However, they urged the commission to address recurring logistical challenges such as delays in the delivery of election materials and insufficient ballot papers, which were observed in some polling units.
