The recently concluded Plateau Youth Council (PYC) elections have stirred significant controversy, with several authentic delegates and aspirants raising concerns over alleged election malpractice, manipulation, and government interference.
What was intended to be a neutral platform has, according to critics, turned into a partisan affair, with claims that the government in power is imposing its preferred candidate.
Delegates have further highlighted the disregard for micro-zoning principles, warning that the integrity of the youth body is being compromised.
One of the outspoken critics, Candidus Daylop from Zawan District, Jos South Local Government Area (LGA), who was among those allegedly disenfranchised, expressed his frustration over being excluded from the delegate list despite being elected.
He described the process as marred by manipulation and interference from those in power.
“After our congress meeting in Zawan, where veterans, stakeholders, and members were all present, I was elected as a delegate to represent our district at the state level. My name was affirmed after the local government election, and I was the only chosen state delegate from Zawan,” Daylop recounted.
However, when the state election approached, only one delegate from Jos South, representing Gyel, received communication from the Electoral Committee (ELCOM).
“Out of the five state delegates from Jos South, only one person was contacted. The rest of us received nothing,” Daylop stated. In an attempt to clarify the situation, he and the other delegates went to Azi Nyako Youth Center, where the screening was being conducted.
“When we arrived, we presented ourselves to the ELCOM, but only one name was on their list. The rest of us were not included, but the secretary acknowledged us as the authentic delegates and even gave us clearance slips,” he explained.
Despite this assurance, Daylop and his colleagues were later informed that their names had been removed, and they were blocked from participating in the election.
Daylop pointed to possible political motives behind their exclusion, noting that rumors had circulated about a supposed insult directed at the Commissioner of Transport, Hon. Davou Jatau, by someone from Gyel.
“If this is true, it’s quite unfortunate,what does an insult from someone in Gyel have to do with the removal of a delegate from Zawan?” He remarked.
He further criticized the broader conduct of the election, describing it as a “manipulated process” and questioning the legitimacy of those whose names replaced the authentic delegates.
“This is not an election aimed at uniting the youth; it has divided us. Delegates chosen by the people were replaced by individuals who are not even PYC members. This kind of impunity must stop,” he insisted.
Daylop also raised concerns about the implications of having the PYC chairman and the Plateau State governor both hailing from the same local government.
“The PYC chairman is often referred to as the ‘youth governor.’ Now, by implication, we have two governors from Mangu, both Mwaghavul. This is unacceptable. If allowed to stand, it sends a message that anyone who isn’t Mwaghavul is a second-class citizen,” he stated.
Calling for intervention, Daylop urged Governor Caleb Mutfwang to take action.
“The governor is known to be youth-friendly, so why allow selfish individuals to destroy the unity of the youth? The right thing must be done, or it will affect future elections, including the 2027 general election,” he warned.
In his concluding remarks, Daylop made a strong appeal for justice.
“I call for the cancellation of this election and demand a new, fair process. The people of Zawan elected me, and only they have the right to remove me,” he said.
As the controversy over the PYC elections continues to unfold, many within the Plateau youth community are calling for a resolution that restores fairness and transparency to the process.
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