Prior to this political dispensation, I’ve never been this
meticulous in terms of assessing and partially participating in the politics
that characterized the tail end of 2018 and essentially, the early part of
2019. Obviously, the elections have come and gone like nothing has happened. There
seems to be a sort of quietude in the political atmosphere. Albeit, some few
cases in the tribunals and court of law are still lingering. Many politicians
across different parties that went to tribunal have tall dreams of retrieving
their mandates while those issued certificates of return and sworn-in are not
resting on their oars to have their mandates defended by lawyers. Yet, others
have since congratulated the victors in the spirit of sportsmanship and moved
on to accomplish other plans of action and personal commitments. In my previous
article, I outlined that the politics of 2019 will perhaps be a litmus test for
that, which, is to come in 2023. I equally mentioned that, for example, some
key political figures eyeing the number one seat of power in plateau state are beginning
to strategize in subtle ways to succeed the incumbent and have their political
efforts to be counted. Politics on the Plateau has always come with surprises and
shocker. New developments always spring up to counter the old order and
narrative. New candidates and parties emerge with structures to achieve a
win-win game, but at the end of the day, some scale through and others get
disappointed. The heavy monetization of politics, betrayal, bitter rivalry,
uncontrolled outpour of violent vituperations are among others, factors that bring
us to a point of reflection. The politics saturating the Plateau space has been
dicey over the years. Our people are becoming increasingly sophisticated and
well enlightened to make informed choices in respect to who gets what position.
In 2015, the handwriting was visible that Sen. GNS Pwajok of blessed memory, an
erudite political figure was going to coast to victory by virtue of the
prevailing situation around – incumbency factor, unmatched financial capacity
and the choice of running mate who carries the household name of “Gomwalk.” On
the contrary, people chose Gov. Lalong of the APC on the basis of respect for
zoning arrangement. At some quarters, it was believed that the coming of GNS
would mean an extension of Gov. Jang’s government, then came the widespread revolt
through the ballot. That alone was shocking to the PDP on the one hand and historic
to the APC on the other hand. In 2019, the incumbent Gov. Lalong contested
against Sen. J.T Useni of the PDP and won again. Whether or not the incumbent
was re-elected on the basis of performance is left to be analysed and judged in
the court of public opinion. However, after gauging the feeling and disposition
of majority, I realized that many people especially in the Central zone where
opposed to Sen. JT Useni because they want power to come back to the Central
zone in 2023. The popular belief was that, JT Useni may not relinquish the seat
if he gets it after serving for 1 term. This is one of the major reasons among
other troubles that had rocked his candidacy. Although he went to the tribunal and
all fingers are crossed to see what happens.
2023
2023 is not too far from now. It will come surely and fast
like a twinkle of an eye. There is a lot going on already from an undercover
point of view. The politics will be interesting to say the least. Bigwigs are
rising to show their faces. Old and new names are taking centre-stage of media
discourse nowadays. Strategies and structures are explored and entrenched
across frontiers. Consultations are on top gear and building close relationship
with the incumbent Governor for his possible anointing is on course. I am
carefully following the unfolding developments and when the chips are down, people
will know where to pitch their tent. Realistically, based on the zoning
arrangement, the Central zone is prepared to take over and not miss chances. In
the light of this reality, strong forces like Hon. Jiritmwa Morgak, Chief Alfred
Dapal, Dr. Patrick Dakum, Hon. Letep Dabang, Dr. Sipak Shaseet, Dr. Nentawe Yilwadta,
Hon. Istifanus Mwansat, Hon. Timothy Golu, Hon. Solomon Maren, Hon. Sam Damla,
Hon. Panshak Yohanna, Dr. James Dalok, Prof. Soni Tyoden, Hon. Jonathan Aminu,
Nde Gotring, Nde Victor Dimka, Arch. Hart Bankat, Rev. John Pofi, Hon. Chikas
Comfort Kumle and former DIG Habila Joshak among many others are being advised
and pressured to run for the plum seat because of their accomplishments in some
ways. When the battle gets tough, there will be meetings and agreements for
alignments and collapsing of structures to support adopted candidates. Quite
importantly, apart from the permutations for the governorship seat itself, the
choice of running mate will play central role in all the political
calculations. Obviously in the same spirit of zoning, running mate will emerge
from Plateau North and strictly writing, it has to be a strong force to gather
momentum for the campaign of flagbearers from Central zone. Time shall tell.
Finally
The vision to transform Plateau state has come to stay. Successive
governments have done their best. There is still hope that Plateau state can be
taken to a position of pre-eminence. Government is about continuity. What matters
most is allowing the popular will of the people to prevail in 2023. Whoever will
succeed Gov. Lalong must realise that leadership is no easy but with strong
will and the right spirit, the best is still possible. In the meant time, I
congratulate Gov. Lalong on his re-election and his inauguration. I wish him
the best.
Satmak Dapar writes from Abuja, Nigeria.
He can be reached via 08030546215 or satmakdapar1@gmail.com
