PYC ELCOM expresses readiness to conduct credible polls – says process opened up for all youths to participate without Government Interference

Members of the Electoral Committee of the 2024 Plateau State Youth Council Elections have restated their commitment to deliver credible youth-driven and youth-domimated elections for the Plateau State Youth Council upon the expiration of the tenure of the outgone EXCO from the district, local government and state levels.

This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Electoral Committee Dr Nyango Phillip during an interaction with journalists on Friday 20th September 2024 at the Azi Nyako Youth Center Dadin Kowa, Jos. Dr Nyango took time to explain series of engagements his committee had initiated leading to the elections.

He also disclosed that ad-hoc electoral officials had been trained and deployed and returns are already being made from districts elections across the state. He further stressed that no one within the ages of 18 and 45 had been denied participation, stressing that the process is open and delegates who emerge will be made public for all aspirants to meet them and interact with them ahead of the State Executive elections.

“I would like to say that during the training of the ad hoc electoral officers for the conduct of these elections, we made exceptions to particularly the central working committee positions up for elections in particular districts.”

“And that is why this committee adhered to opening up the process and maintaining the constitutional position. However, zoning or rotation of power is entirely a matter of influence, and I would say cultural and traditional adherence. That’s not for the committee to implement within the sphere of influence of how these delegates have emerged.”

“So for us, as committee, we have thrown open the process and all persons eligible to contest 45 to 18 years have been allowed to pick nomination forms and have been availed the space to exercise their rights. And they’ve gone on to exercise their rights and returns are being made.”

“And we’re awaiting the returns of delegates from the local governments tomorrow. And we’ll be making a comprehensive list of delegates, hopefully by Monday, so that aspirants for the positions of the state executive committee can engage and entertain all the delegates at their convenience to achieve electoral success.”

Dr Nyango also disclosed that results from district elections across the state are already being received, with districts like Foron in Jos East LGA and districts in Kanam LGA concluding their elections and results returned. “However, yesterday, upon deployment of trained 264 ad hoc electoral officers across the 88 districts of the Plateau State Youth Council, elections held successfully. And returns are being made, as we speak, returns will be made and declarations have already been made.”

“While we were having a brief earlier. You witnessed yourselves results from foron district, the ad hoc electoral officer made returns. And I had even shown you video evidences of elections that held in Kanam.”

Dr Nyango also commend the administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang for not interfering in the operations of the committee which according to him was not the practice in the past. “We believe that this is a process for all youths. And for us, the inspiration is the kind of freehand that the government of His Excellency Governor Caleb Mutfwang has given youths to perform and carry out their constitutional rights. There has been no incaution, no imposition, no interference whatsoever.”