2019 Elections: ADP Embarks on Door-to-Door Campaigns in Plateau

By Jide Afolabi, Jos

The Plateau State Action Democratic Party, ADP, campaign Council in the state has embarked on door-to-door campaigns in the state as 2019 general elections approach.

Led by its governorship candidate, Brigadier General Jon Temlong (Rtd) on Wednesday, the party had door-to-door campaigns in Gindiri, Mangu Local Government Area and major towns in Kanam Local Government Area where they met with traditional rulers, religious leaders, party faithful and supporters of the party.

At the Emir of Kanam palace, the ADP candidate condoles with the Emir, His Royal Highness (Alh) Muhammadu Mu’azu Muhammadu II on the death of his grandmother and Amir who both died recently.

The candidate said that the “party embarked on a door-to-door campaign to change the concept of politics in Nigeria and to interact with the people on what to do and how to do it.”

He said that the party’s House of Representatives candidate for Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam constituency, Hon Stephen Danladi Mwan is from Kanam. “We hope Kanam people will give their own, their vote to have a voice in the National Assembly. You need someone to bring Federal project here and synergies at the state level”. He said.

“Ours is a party that is anchored on three policy thrust, most important is the security among the Trinity.

“Your domain has been affected badly too and nobody will want this situation to continue. Nigeria is facing a turbulent period in the North East. We have more people dying here than North East. But we usually deny this fact.”

He noted that he had been Commander of the Multi-National Joint Task Force and defeated terrorists in Niger and Chad and has been contributing to peace development in Plateau since his retirement, “But I need an entry point”.

“I designed and conceptualise Operation Rainbow but not effective as we conceptualised it. Traditional rulers will play a critical role because you own the people.”

On governance issue, Temlong said, “If we have good governance, some of the problems would have been tackled. The government often mobilise the Police and Military in all disagreements between people and communities thereby suppressing the voice of the people in lieu of hearing them out. Today, we have troops deployed almost in all the states of the Federation. What we want is a citizen-centered government. Policy formulation will be bottom up. With that, development will come to our people. Our children will be gainfully employed and menace of drugs which you are fighting will be a thing of the past. Polio and drug abuse will be minimal.” He stated.

“APC and PDP are the same. They are a pendulum. They are not different and that is why we are coming out. We are seeking your royal blessing that by the grace of God, if we win, people of Plateau will gain their dignity. We appreciate the time and audience you have given us. Wish you long life with peace and wisdom that at the end of the day, your people will be the happiest”.

In his response, the Emir of Kanam, His Royal Highness, Muhammadu Mu’azu Muhammadu II said that his relationship with the distinguished General and incoming governor, Brigadier General Jon Temlong (Rtd) has been long.

“I’m so glad, very much happier today for having to receive you in this great house of the people of Kanam. And to welcome you back home to which you have helped to build and to see your own son, the Emir of Kanam.

“It’s our responsibility to preach peace and to wish you well. We know you personally. Plateau truly need people like you because you are one of those reserved we have. You never do anything that would jeopardize your integrity.”

“Plateaunians must support and elect you as the governor of Plateau state. The shelter is very important. We are not in doubt that you are capable to bring the desired peace we are looking for. Without been governor, the fora we meet, we know what you are capable of. Records are my witness. Records are my points and records are my references. People should go to records. You are one of the daughters and sons that we are proud of.

“You know us, we know you. I need not tell you what you need to do for people of Kanam because it’s your land. When eventually elected, we will only remind you of these things. We need water. My plea to every government is to give us potable drinking water. Every community of Plateau needs water. Every government promises boreholes, no government thinks of the dam. You know we are farmers and rearers. We need a situation when that area is improved so that our people can be engaged. Before today, we have been battling to go to school but my 14 years on the stool has changed that. Our children are now going to school. We need one strong institution in Dengi town.”

He noted that the candidate can not make himself the governor but only with the support of the people. He encouraged people to collect their PVCs. He said over 3000 PVCs have not been collected in Kanam LGA and over 11000 remains uncollected in Kanke LGA. “You need to tell your followers to collect their PVCs. The Chairman (ADP), you need to do extra work. You need to tell them to support you. Let’s justify that we have the Chairman of the party from Kanam.”

The campaign council moved to Dengi Town Hall where party faithful and supporters were waiting in their numbers.

Temlong told the gathering that his government would be “righteous, just, fair, accountable and transparent”.

At the Ra’an Jahr palace, the candidate and his campaign entourage were received by His Royal Highness, Alh Muhammadu Bawa and his chiefs. They pledged their support to ADP candidates.

In the entourage was the Chairman of the party in the state, Hon Gideon Adamu, the ADP deputy governorship candidate, Dr Daniel Dimulak Mwanmut, Plateau Central Senatorial candidate, Hon Engr Manasseh Damulak, House of Representatives candidate, Hon Stepehen Danladi Mwan, House of Assembly candidates, party leaders and other party faithful.