The stage is almost set for full-fledged politicking to commence on the Plateau. That said, some politicians and strategists have already begun nocturnal and clandestine campaigning in ways which may not be obvious to the general public.

Now, having keenly watched the happenings on the Plateau political scene, I’ve drawn the conclusion that the politics of 2015 will generate a lot of conflicts of interest, which will ultimately be overwhelming to a lot of political players and observers alike.

The stage is almost set for full-fledged politicking to commence on the Plateau. That said, some politicians and strategists have already begun nocturnal and clandestine campaigning in ways which may not be obvious to the general public.

Now, having keenly watched the happenings on the Plateau political scene, I’ve drawn the conclusion that the politics of 2015 will generate a lot of conflicts of interest, which will ultimately be overwhelming to a lot of political players and observers alike.

While on the one hand, some politicians will exercise their franchise basically as a means of seeking political relevance. Others will be doing so out of a genuine desire to uplift the plight of people, having done an appraisal of our journey so far and identifying better ways of delivering the dividents of democracy to the electorate. Consultations, mobilization, as well as social media campaigns have taken centre stage of our political discourse.

I dare to say that the four major contenders jostling for the Governorship seat who appear to be tirelessly working to actualise their ambitions are; Amb. Ignatius Longjan, Prof. Longmas Wapmuk, Dr. Daniel Kutchin and Sen. Victor Lar. Having named these individuals, I’m not for once pre-supposing that other candidates are not doing enough to win popular support –they absolutely are, but all on the low-key. On this note, it should be noted that I’m also not in any way trying to facilitate the campaigns of the aforementioned –but simply trying to stimulate objective discussion in this area.

Prof. Longmas Wapmuk

Prof. Longmas Wapmuk is the current Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF). He is said to be eyeing the seat with all sense of seriousness. Grass-roots mobilizers have been commissioned in a few political constituencies and key student-unionists have started wooing support for him on campuses. His campaign intent is seen clearly through his season greetings billboards located at major junctions across Plateau.

On the home front, he is said to have empowered many youths and has given scholarships to many individuals. His major weakness relates to his relative naivety on the political stage and his long inactivity in Plateau social circles.

Amb. Ignatius Longjan 

This gentleman isn’t new to the Plateau electorate. He is the current deputy Governor of the state –having won the last election with Jonah Jang. In some quarters, he’s believed to be the possible successor of the incumbent. Even though, his body language or that of his boss doesn’t speak volumes about that fact. But several analysts believe that he’d be the best candidate for the role, given the opportunity he has had to work closely with the incumbent on many of the developmental projects and therefore better placed to carry on with the current gains.

His campaign strategists and allies appear to be very cautious in advancing his candidature, given the sensitivity of the political space in Plateau, but the allies can be seen to be astutely plotting their course of action.

It goes without saying that throughout the history of Plateau state, Amb. Longjan is perhaps the most loyal and committed Deputy Governor Plateau state has had. He was the Chief of Staff to the Governor during the first tenure before rising to political prominence as Deputy Governor in 2011. He hails from Qu’an Pan Local Government Area (where another Governorship candidate under APC Prof. Emmanuel Garba a UniJos lecturer hails from). He is said to enjoy a lot of goodwill from all and sundry, including people in Government circles and if permutations are well and strategically calculated, he may emerge PDP flag-bearer.

Dr. Daniel Kutchin

In a twinkle of an eye, Dr. Daniel Kutchin’s popularity has become an intimidating one, thanks in part to his effective utilisation of social media in his campaign. And as it stands currently, his name resonates like wild fire within the Plateau space.

It is true that the media; whether print, electronic or social plays significant role in political development and in making politicians popular. In the case of Dr. Kutchin, he has had significant coverage from online media organisations and he has re-enforced his popularity by constantly monitoring Plateau events and giving critical insights/input that advance progress in our state.

The German-trained physician is highly educated, humble and friendly. However winning elections require far more than just being educated or affable –one needs to institutionalize formidable campaign structures at the grass-roots level so his impact would be felt in rural communities. And he is already working in that area, evidence by his wise choice of campaign strategist i.e., Mr Gideon Dashe, a Lagos based business mogul who is loved and respected by many Plateau youths. If he’s God-ordained, and Plateau people buy into his candidature, he will be sworn in as governor of Plateau state in the year 2015 -only time shall tell.

Senator Victor Mainasara Lar

He eyed the governorship seat in 2007 but couldn’t make it because of some unforeseen political albatross. He was elected Senator of the Federal republic of Nigeria in 2011 to represent Plateau South Senatorial zone under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). His peoples-oriented projects especially in the area of education and provision of water to tackle rural poverty have accorded him wide acceptance amongst the electorate.

His campaign strategists are vigorously oiling their machineries to roll out ahead of the 2015 elections. Exclusive reports reaching ViewPointNigeria have suggested that to achieve his gubernatorial ambition, Sen. Lar is closely working with Hon. Beni Lar who is herself eyeing the Senate seat to succeed him -with Hon. Joyce Ramnap, the deputy Speaker Plateau State House of Assembly seeking to succeed Hon. Beni Lar as Member Representing Langtang North/South Federal constituency.

Another source revealed to ViewPointNigeria’s correspondent that if the political arithmetic is correct, Victor Lar may pick the erstwhile speaker John Clark Dabwan as his running mate –a development which some Mangu people are kicked against. Those resisting the move are said to prefer that John. Clark Dabwan represents them in the National Assembly, as Member representing Mangu/Bokkos Federal constituency, effectively succeeding Hon. Jonathan Aminu.

Others

Aside these distinguish individuals, who remain the glaring contenders –there are other scenarios where a candidate from Plateau North Senatorial Zone can be presented. This idea however may be met with stiff opposition and resistance from several quarters and may be a difficult sell. However, under that scenario –a distinguish individual like Sen. GNS Pwajok could be a good choice, given how articulate, humble, intelligent and congenial he is. His appeal and acceptance has spread beyond Plateau North senatorial zone and could be a wild card for the current administration to use in their quest of maintaining continuity of Governance.

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PLATEAU 2015: HOW DICEY THE POLITICAL ARITHMETIC WOULD BE BY DAPAR SATMAK ALEXANDER