PLASIEC recruiting PDP members as returning officers, alleges LP

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

The LP added that this revelation has negated what Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the Chairman of PLASIEC have been claiming, that the local government election will be free, fair, and transparent.

Addressing journalists on Tuesday at the Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, the 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, Hon. Fom Dalyop Chollom, said that the Chairman of PLASIEC, Plangji Cishak, had disappointed observers.

Chollom said, “I note with serious concern the obvious lopsided recruitment of ad hoc 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, which is very unthinkable.

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

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

Chollom added that if the avoidable anomaly is timely addressed by the governor, it will single him out as a true democrat, father, and pastor to all Plateau people, as he is known for.

During the question-and-answer session, he stated that they have information that some staunch PDP members have been recruited by PLASIEC as Returning Officers.

Chollom also expressed concern over the vandalization of their billboards, banners, and campaign materials across the state, which he described as undemocratic, uncivilised, and condemnable.

He assured the availability of their platform to indisputably contest the 2027 general elections in the state, urging Plateau people to come and vote for LP candidates on October 9, 2024.