The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State has announced its candidates for the upcoming local government elections scheduled for November 2, 2024. The announcement was made by Tanimu Adamson, the Chairman of the State’s APC Primary Elections Committee, during a report submission to party executives in Lafia, the state capital. Adamson confirmed that the candidates were selected through a consensus process in accordance with Article 20 of the party’s constitution and emphasized the party’s commitment to lawfulness and democratic principles. This follows the expiration of the previous local government councils’ tenure, prompting a stakeholders meeting to ensure a well-organized electoral process.
In his address, Adamson detailed that the selected candidates aim to enhance the legislative framework at local levels, ensuring not only democracy but also the delivery of tangible benefits to the populace. He enumerated the names of candidates vying for chairmanship positions across the 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs): Safiyanu Isa (Akwanga), Umar Dan-Akano (Awe), Jonathan Addra (Doma), Abubakar Madaki (Karu), Adamu Aboki (Keana), Idris Damagani (Keffi), Bitrus Agbawu (Kokona), Mohammed Haliru (Lafia), Mohammed Ahmed (Nasarawa), Iliya Aliyu (Nassarawa-Eggon), Isa Sani (Obi), Murtala Danmadami (Toto), and Ezekiel Jaga (Wamba).
The APC’s screening committee ensured that all candidates met the necessary qualifications laid out in the party’s constitution. This rigorous vetting process also included an emphasis on gender balance and inclusivity, with the selection of councillorship candidates involving women and individuals with disabilities, reflecting a commitment to broad representation within the party’s candidate slate. Adamson underscored the importance of having credible candidates who can effectively contribute to governance at the local level.
Ratifying Adamson’s sentiments, the APC Chairman, Dr. Aliyu Bello, acknowledged the committee’s diligent efforts and the sacrifices made to bolster the party’s progression. He assured that the successful candidates’ list would be promptly submitted to the Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC) to adhere to their deadlines, reiterating the party’s strong belief in securing victories in the forthcoming elections due to the qualifications of their candidates.
Bello’s confidence extended not only to the APC’s prospects but also to NASIEC’s capability to oversee a fair and transparent electoral process. He encouraged participation from other political parties, emphasizing that such engagement is fundamental for a robust democratic environment in the state. The APC’s unified stance and organized electoral approach portray the party’s readiness to lead in the local governance landscape, aiming for impactful governance and community service.
In summary, as the APC in Nasarawa State prepares for the local government elections, the focus on consensus among party members and the rigorous candidate selection process reflects a strategic approach to reaffirm their governance philosophy. This preparation underscores the party’s intent to not only win elections but to instigate a genuine transformation in local governance through capable leaders who are representative of the diverse demographics across the state. The pivotal push towards inclusivity and stakeholder engagement could position the APC favorably in the eyes of the electorate as they move closer to the election date.