By Golok Nanmwa, JOS

The Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Naanlong Daniel Gapyil, has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Mikang State Constituency seat, following his victory in the party’s primary election.

Declaring the result, the APC Returning Officer for Mikang Local Government Area, Hon. Muhammad Auwal Hamza, said Daniel scored 5,606 votes to defeat his closest rival, Tindi Nkat, who polled 1,201 votes.

Hamza stated that the Speaker, having met all constitutional requirements and guidelines governing the exercise, was duly returned as the party’s flag bearer for the forthcoming House of Assembly election.

He commended party stakeholders, delegates and supporters for their peaceful conduct, describing the primary as transparent, credible and successful. He also lauded officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for ensuring a smooth electoral process.

Reacting to his victory, Daniel expressed gratitude to God and appreciated the people of Mikang for their support and confidence in his leadership.

He described the exercise as a “family affair”, stressing that there was no victor or vanquished, as all aspirants remain members of the same political family.

According to him, the outcome of the primary should strengthen unity and cooperation among party members rather than create divisions.

Daniel called on APC stakeholders, youths and women’s groups in the constituency to close ranks and work together ahead of the general elections, noting that the development of Mikang remains paramount.

He reaffirmed his commitment to effective representation, pledging to prioritise education, infrastructure development and empowerment programmes aimed at improving the welfare of the people.

The speaker also extended an olive branch to other aspirants, commending them for their maturity and sportsmanship throughout the exercise.