Plateau election: A clash of the titans

There will be a clash of the titans in Plateau State comes March 9th. The two most popular candidates are from the two major political parties in Nigeria. At one side of it, there is a man standing with an umbrella, a retired General, a senator representing Plateau South, a former Minister of Federal Capital […]

There will be a clash of the titans in Plateau State comes March 9th. The two most popular candidates are from the two major political parties in Nigeria. At one side of it, there is a man standing with an umbrella, a retired General, a senator representing Plateau South, a former Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the Military regime with mixed, ambiguous, sketchy or somewhat unproved allegations of religious and ethnic bigotry.

At the other side of it, there is a man holding a broom. He is the incumbent governor of the state; a barrister, former speaker of Plateau state House of Assembly. Just like the former who has issues, the latter too has numerous issues. There is the allegation that he seems to be oblivious of why he is in power; that he deceived and betrayed the people of Plateau, especially within Jos metropolis. While he came with the slogan of change, he was said to be a man who does not stand by his words. But it is always alleged that the man is not an ethnic bigot.

These two candidates have strong support and opposition across the state. While one can predict that Sen. Jeremiah T Useni may win Barikin Ladi, Riyom, Jos South, Lantang North, Langtang South and Bokkos, Governor Simon Lalong too has the likelihood of winning places like Shendam, Wase, Jos East, Kanam, Quan Pan and Jos North. But this is a mere prediction; anything can happen; both people and politics are dynamic.

While Lalong may be said to have advantage of incumbency in the state and having his party at the national level too, J.T. Useni may still beat his chest and say the presidential candidate of the opposition won Plateau state despite the incumbency of Simon Lalong.

The two candidates held various positions and, presently holding very important positions. It is now left for the people of Plateau state to decide on who will take the mandate based on the antecedents of the duo. May the best among them win the election on Saturday.

 

Abdul Mutallib Muktar, Jos.