by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Screening Committee for All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections for Senatorial District has withheld clearance for three prominent senatorial aspirants from Plateau State.
The development, leaked in an official APC document titled, “List of Senatorial Aspirants Not Cleared,” hits all three senatorial districts of the state, potentially altering the dynamics of the upcoming legislative races.
According to the official list obtained by our reporters, the affected aspirants from Plateau State cut across the North, South, and Central senatorial zones. They include:
Plateau North: Gyang Zi, SAN.
Plateau South: Napoleon Binkap Bah.
Plateau Central: Usman Ephraim Gar.
Breakdown of the Affected Districts:
Plateau North (Gyang Yaya Zi, SAN): The disqualification of Gyang Yaya Zi, SAN, throws a wrench into the battle for the northern zone, a traditionally-fierce political battleground in the state.
Plateau South (Napoleon Binkap Bah): In the southern zone, Napoleon Binkap Bah’s failure to secure the screening committee’s green light shifts the equilibrium for the zone’s ticket.
Plateau Central (Usman Ephraim Gar): The central zone also faces a shake-up as Usman Ephraim Gar joins the list of contenders sidelined from participating in the upcoming primary contest.
While the national secretariat of the APC has not issued a formal breakdown of the specific reasons behind the non-clearance of these specific individuals – which typically range from documentation discrepancies, party loyalty issues, or tax compliance – the decision is expected to spark immediate appeals.
The affected aspirants are expected to urgently approach the APC Screening Appeal Committee in a last-minute bid to reverse the decision before the delegates head to the polls.