..speak on plans for state

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State and governorship aspirant has described the newly released 2027 election timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as “a step in the right direction,” saying the 2026 Electoral Act addressed several long-standing concerns in Nigeria’s electoral process.

Speaking in an interview, the PDP stalwart said INEC’s actions were in line with the provisions of the new law, noting that the reforms signal progress for Nigeria’s democracy. “Nigeria was moving from a growing democracy to a flagging democracy. So this Act is a positive step,” he said.

According to him, while the Act may not have resolved all electoral challenges, it provides workable solutions to issues that had “bedevilled our elections in the recent past. Rome was not built in a day, but this is clearly progress,” he said.

He particularly praised the streamlining of the mode of electing party candidates, saying the emphasis on direct primaries or consensus would deepen internal democracy. “It strengthens our democracy and gives power back to the people,” he stated.

The aspirant argued that the old delegate-based indirect primaries were prone to manipulation. “Delegate elections were subject to hijacking by powerful forces and moneybags,” he said, noting that the new system could open political space for grassroots candidates without wealthy backers.

“With direct primaries, so long as you are popular at the grassroots, you can emerge. It allows people without godfathers to participate,” he added.

On the consensus option, he maintained that it remains democratic if properly handled. “For consensus to work, there must be wide consultations from the grassroots upward. That process itself is democratic,” he explained.

On the contentious issue of real-time electronic transmission of results, the PDP chieftain acknowledged ongoing debates but urged caution. “We already have electronic transmission. The agitation is for real-time transmission,” he noted.

While expressing support for the idea, he pointed to infrastructure gaps. “Technology is not the problem; infrastructure is. Real-time transmission requires multiple layers of backup. We may not yet have the resources for that,” he said, expressing optimism that Nigeria could achieve it by the 2031 election cycle.

Addressing concerns that direct primaries could be capital-intensive, he admitted the cost implications but argued that indirect primaries were equally expensive. “Delegates are housed in hotels, looked after for days, and sometimes locked away. That also stifles democracy,” he said.

He, however, cautioned that political parties might struggle to fully implement direct primaries within the limited timeframe provided by INEC’s timetable. “With primaries slated for April to May, parties may resort to consensus or option A4. Over time, the system will embed properly,” he predicted.

Turning to his governorship ambition, the PDP aspirant declared his interest in leading Benue State, citing what he described as a deficit in competent leadership. “Benue is entitled to more than it currently gets. I am offering myself for service,” he said.

He promised an outcome-based administration anchored on transparency and measurable targets. “We will set a baseline with the people on day one and return quarterly for them to measure our progress. It will not be a closed government run like a secret cult,” he pledged.

On revenue generation in the agrarian state, he stressed that security must first be addressed to enable farmers return to their lands. “We are not utilising our full agricultural capacity because of insecurity. The first step is to solve that,” he said.

Ato outlined plans to establish value addition centres across the state, beginning with one in each senatorial zone and scaling up to local governments and ward clusters. “We must stop losing perishable crops to waste. By processing and packaging locally, we increase value and revenue,” he explained, citing cassava and oranges as examples.

Running on the platform of the PDP, which he described as “the most stable party in Benue,” the aspirant urged voters to scrutinise candidates beyond party labels. “Ask the hard questions. How will they fund their promises? Extract commitments and measure performance,” he advised.

Reaffirming his pledge, he said, “I am offering transparent, accountable servant leadership. Everything will be open. The figures will be there for everyone to see. And the people will judge whether we have delivered on our promises.”