PDP accuses Lalong of plot to manipulate judiciary against opposition

APC youth leader says Plateau gov can lead party to victory
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State has again accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of Governor Simon Lalong of trying to manipulate the judiciary to destabilise the opposition ahead of 2023 elections.

Publicity Secretary of Plateau PDP, John Akans, disclosed in a statement, yesterday: “Lalong is planning to intimidate judges and the entire judiciary in the state, so they can manipulate APC to victory through the back door.

“Our attention has been drawn to a strategic plot by Governor Lalong, in collaboration with APC vice presidential candidate, Kashim Shettima, to use the judiciary to destabilise the opposition parties in Plateau.”

PDP alleged that Lalong was planning to use the judiciary to disqualify its governorship candidate and those of other parties, so that only Nentawe Yilwatda of APC would participate in the 2023 governorship polls.

“He (Lalong) boasted that having succeeded in doing so against the PDP in the last council polls, using sponsored litigations, he would try his luck again,” the opposition party alleged.

HOWEVER, APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, has reiterated the capacity of Lalong, the Director-General of APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), to lead the party to victory at the polls next year.

He stated this, yesterday, on completion of his tour of the state as part of nationwide youth mobilisation.

Dayo noted that “Lalong’s exceptional performance uniquely qualifies him to lead the party’s charge” in 2023, beginning with the hosting of a campaign flag-off in the state.

He said: “My engagements with the citizens and residents of Plateau, especially the youths, have corroborated what we all know to be true about Lalong’s credentials as a leader and politician.

“I am happy to tell all Nigerians that he is an exceptional model of the progressive brand of leadership because no single local council in Plateau is without visible and highly impactful developmental projects and investments initiated and completed by the Lalong administration.”

Addressing the youths in the state, Israel said the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, maintained a credible and unmatched record as a builder of people and harbinger of prosperity, adding that he had the brilliance and vision required to elevate the country.

He added: “Tinubu is the only politician in Nigeria with a nationwide trail and network of accomplished individuals spread across all fields of life, who owe their success to his generosity, faith in potential and commitment to supporting others to fulfil their destinies.

“Under his guidance and tutelage, many have become governors, ministers and even vice president. Beyond that, he has empowered innumerable young people who are high flyers today in various sectors.”