ADC begins LG congresses :as Jos North LGA members adopt consensus
By Yakubu Busari
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has commenced its local government congresses in Plateau State, with the party’s leadership adopting a consensus-based model to elect officials across the state’s 17 local government areas.
The exercise, which kicked off in Plateau , the state capital, the Jos North LGA Chairman Alh Kabiru Shehu reiterated his commitment towards strengthening the progress of the party in the council.
Speaking to journalists Alh Kabiru Shehu condemned the recent attack at Angwan Rukuba that business activities cannot strive in an atmosphere of crises and he emphasized that Christian and Muslim must unite to confront one enemy of the state.
Shehu , stated that the party’s decision to prioritise consensus was a strategic move to ensure internal cohesion and long-term stability.
“The party has strongly advised that we engage our members at all level – from the unit and ward levels to the local government and national stages – who wish to run for elective positions through a peaceful process of reconciliation,” he said.
The committee chairman noted that the peaceful conduct of the exercise in Jos North Local Government Area and other areas served as a blueprint for the party’s democratic processes.
He explained that by resolving internal competition through dialogue, the party was effectively eliminating the risk of post-congress factions.
“I am pleased to inform the media and the public that, through the mechanisms provided by the ADC leadership, we have achieved significant success in reaching a unanimous consensus across most local governments,” he added.
Addressing the situation in Jos North Local Government Area, Mr Shehu remarked, “As demonstrated here today, Jos North Local Government has successfully resolved internal matters with the help of their stakeholders; there are no factions, and the members have unanimously agreed to work together toward victory.”
While celebrating the success of the consensus option, the ADC chieftain clarified that the party is not averse to traditional elections.
He stressed that the ADC maintains robust internal mechanisms to handle disputes or instances where a consensus cannot be reached.
“We have other internal mechanisms, including the ground for full elections, to resolve situations amicably should there be a failure in the consensus option,” he said.
“The goal is to ensure that every member feels heard and that the process remains transparent and fair, regardless of the method used.”
Mr Shehu confirmed that the officials presented with forms had already undergone rigorous screening and attestation.
“The candidates standing before you have been screened, attested to, and have agreed to proceed on a consensus basis. We are now presenting them with their official forms as returned officials to be completed and submitted according to party guidelines,” he concluded.
The successful completion of the local government congresses is expected to pave the way for the ADC’s state congress as the party intensifies its preparations for upcoming electoral cycles in Plateau, a state with a very weak opposition .
