Plateau ABP Drops Own Guber Candidate, Adopts ADP’s Temlong

By Jide Afolabi, Jos

The Plateau state chapter of the All Blending Party, ABP, has dropped its governorship candidate and adopted the governorship and deputy governorship candidates, Retired Brigadier-General Jon Temlong and Dr Daniel Mwanmut of the Action Democratic Alliance, ADP, in the 2019 general elections.

The adoption event which took place at the Plateau state ADP office in Jos, the state capital, saw the state and local government executive members of ABP in attendance and their members. The ADP governorship candidate, his running mate, state and local government executive members were on hand to accept ABP’s support for their party.

In his address, the ABP state Chairman, Hon Raymond Amark, said that the decision was taken for the “deliverance of Plateau state from the challenges we are facing as a people”.

He said that the party did a deep reflection in line with “our motto to restore Plateau hope and glory” and saw, “hope and a very big one when our brothers of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) field a man of distinction, a detribalised Nigerian, a security technocrat and a man of character, Rtd. Brigadier General Jonathan Temlong.”

He called on ABP faithful’s especially, the party’s gubernatorial candidate and all admirers to do a greater good, “align with a future assured with Brigadier General Jonathan Temlong.”

The party stated further that, “without relinquishing our fight to support our party Presidential candidate, Hon Moses Godiva Shipi, all our National and State Assembly Candidates, we hereby announce an irrevocable pact with ADP to support the Gubernatorial candidacy of Brigadier General Jonathan Temlong for the 2019 gubernatorial seat in Plateau state.”

Amark called on the remaining 20 political parties contesting the 2019 gubernatorial election in the state including the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to take a step in honour by following suit in adopting and working for ADP candidate.

In his response, ADP candidate, Brigadier General Jonathan Temlong appreciated the leadership of ABP for their sacrifice for greater Plateau. He said he was going to run an all-inclusive government that would be people-centred and devoid of any form of discrimination either on the basis of tribe, religion or sex. He promised, “a just, equal and fair system.”

Temlong appealed to other political parties in the state, “to take path of honour like ABP to give a future to our children and restore the dignity of the state.”

The state’s Chairman, Hon Gideon Adamu said that the party has been extremely active in the state and contested the last LG elections in the state where the party was rigged out. He said that the party is currently in Court to retrieve its stolen mandate. He stated that it is an all inclusive party that empowers women and youths by giving them 50 per cent elective positions. He assured partyfaithfulss of victory in the 2019 elections.

The leader of ADP in the state, Hon Samuel Gyang appreciated ABP for their sacrifice and urged them to mobilise for Temlong.

In his remarks, ADP deputy governorship candidate, Dr Daniel Mwanmut thanked everyone and assured them that their labour of love shall be rewarded.