The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Plateau State, Mallam Hussaini Pai has commended the Plateau Debate Group (PDG) for a well thought out initiative of gubernatorial debate in Plateau state ahead of the 2019 general elections

Speaking in his office today while reviewing a delegation of PDG on a courtesy visit, the REC said it was important that electorates engage candidates of political parties in a responsible and productive way stressing that such will help shape decisions of the former at the polls.

He observed that most campaign rallies by political parties have become mere jamborees and occasions for mudslinging and hate speech instead of addressing real issues of governance, leaving the electorates largely uninformed.

He said he has followed gubernatorial debates in the past and knows that they are issue-based with rich content and advised PDG to follow suit, assuring that INEC will support any initiative geared towards deepening democracy in Nigeria

Leader of the delegation, Solomon Chollom, who stood in for Chairman of the PDG, Dr Daniel Meshak, had earlier told the REC that the group is non-political, non-profit and non-religious, committed to deepening the electoral process, adding that the emergence of a popular and credible governor in Plateau state was central in their vision. Chollom further informed the REC that a level playing ground would be provided for all governorship candidates in the state adding that the debate has been scheduled for 26th January, 2019

The REC disclosed that 22 parties have fielded candidates to run for governorship seat in the state and INEC has been working assiduously to stage a credible election in 2019

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Plateau State REC commisioner Commended Plateau Debate Group…