The Labour Party (LP) in Plateau State has alleged that members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been recruited by the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) as its Returning Officers in the October 9, 2024 local government elections.

The LP said it is not convinced that Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the Chairman of PLASIEC will conduct free, fair, and transparent local government elections.

Addressing journalists at the Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, member representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency in the National Assembly who is also the Chairman of the Campaign Council of LP in the state, Fom Dalyop Chollom, said that the Chairman of PLASIEC, Plangji Cishak had disappointed observers.

According to Chollom, “I note with serious concern the obvious lopsided recruitment of adhoc staff by PLASIEC giving primacy to a political party as against its statutory mandate to create a level playing ground for free, fair and transparent elections across the state is very unthinkable.

“This conveys an irresistible doubt in the minds of many Plateau electorate which invariably impinges on the neutrality of the electoral umpire that the Governor has entrusted this noble task to.

“This deliberately throws up your numerous assurances that Plateau electorate will have the most credible local government elections that would consolidate on democratic values instituted by our past leaders and mentors such as Baba Solomon Daushep Lar and Da Senator Jonah David Jang.”

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Chollom urged the governor to address the matter as a true democrat, father, and pastor to all Plateau people.

He also expressed worry over the vandalisation of their billboards and banners and their campaign materials across the state which he said is undemocratic, uncivilized, and condemnable.

He assured that the party will contest the 2027 general elections in the state, urging Plateau people to vote LP candidates on October 9, 2024.