The People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State has expressed concern over the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission's (PLASIEC) decision to halt the local government election. The election was scheduled to take place before the end of the tenure of the sitting council chairmen on October 10, 2026. PDP State Secretary, Hon. Michael Dachomo, stated that the commission's inactivity indicated that the elections might not be held.
The PDP had planned to contest the election in accordance with the PLASIEC timetable, but the commission's recent inactivity has caused frustration. Dachomo stated that there has been no communication with the political parties to demonstrate the commission's readiness for the election. This has led to candidates who had indicated interest in the election becoming increasingly frustrated.
The candidates are now pressuring the PDP, with some threatening to sue the party for allegedly colluding with PLASIEC to defraud them. They are also demanding a refund of their money. The PDP had given out forms to its members to run in the election after the commission expressed interest in holding elections.
Hon. Dachomo explained that the suit instituted by the local government chairmen over their tenure and the subsequent judgement did not affect the commission. The commission was not a party to the suit, and since the state government had appealed the judgement, the commission ought to have done the same.
Dachomo stated that the judgement was not binding on the commission and that PLASIEC should take note of the fact that there was no provision for caretaker committees in the Constitution. He warned that if the state does not adhere to this, it might run into a similar situation as Osun State, where local government monthly allocations were withheld.
The PDP is urging the commission to inform the state's citizens of the reason for the election postponement or cancellation. With the tenure of the present council chairmen expiring on October 10, 2026, Dachomo emphasized that the chairmen must vacate their offices, as caretaker committees are not allowed by the Constitution.
The development has created uncertainty in the state's local government elections. The PDP's condemnation of PLASIEC's decision has highlighted the need for the commission to clarify its position and provide a clear timeline for the elections.
Key points
- The PDP has condemned PLASIEC's decision to halt the local government election in Plateau State.
- The commission's inactivity has caused frustration among candidates who had indicated interest in the election.
- The PDP is urging the commission to inform the state's citizens of the reason for the election postponement or cancellation.
