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From Jude Dangwam, Jos
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Plateau State has unveiled a development agenda anchored on tackling insecurity, reviving tourism, expanding agricultural and industrial activities and restoring commercial infrastructure, as it seeks to win the state’s governorship election in 2027.
The party said its proposed governorship team of retired Brigadier General John Sunday Sura and Chundung Bitrus Kele would prioritise the restoration of peace and unity among Plateau’s diverse ethnic and religious communities, arguing that persistent insecurity and social divisions had weakened the state’s economy, discouraged investment and undermined its reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading tourism destinations.
In a statement issued by its State Publicity Secretary, Silas Audu Wettok, the ADC lamented that years of economic setbacks, declining tourism infrastructure and recurring security challenges had affected commercial activities and reduced opportunities for farmers, traders, entrepreneurs and other residents.
It maintained that Plateau possessed the agricultural resources, tourism attractions and commercial potential to become a major economic destination in Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa, but required deliberate investment, improved security and an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
According to the party, its proposed administration would pursue the revival of the tourism industry, encourage industrial development and strengthen agricultural production as part of efforts to create employment, attract investment and improve the state’s economic prospects.
The ADC also promised to restore commercial air services connecting Plateau to other parts of the country, revitalise the state’s airport and activate the cargo dry port to facilitate the movement of goods, expand trade and improve access to markets.
It argued that the restoration of these facilities would strengthen commercial activities and create opportunities for investors, manufacturers and agricultural producers seeking to move their products within and outside the state.
On security, the party identified recurring violence and ethnic, religious and political divisions as major obstacles to development, insisting that efforts to revive the economy would remain difficult without lasting peace and cooperation among communities.
It said Sura had consistently promoted the philosophy of “ONE TRIBE, ONE PEOPLE, ONE PLATEAU” as the foundation of his vision for a state in which residents, irrespective of ethnic, religious or political affiliation, would enjoy equal opportunities and protection.
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The ADC maintained that an inclusive approach to governance was essential to rebuilding public trust, strengthening social cohesion and creating conditions necessary for investment and economic recovery.
It promised that its administration would be guided by accountability, transparency, fairness and democratic principles, stressing that public appointments and government opportunities would not be reserved for relatives, friends or political associates.
The party said its proposed government would not operate as a family-and-friends administration but would seek to provide leadership responsive to the needs of the wider population.
According to Wettok, the commitments were consistent with the policy direction contained in the ADC Orange Book, which the party described as its framework for responsible leadership, democratic governance and sustainable development.
He said the party was offering Plateau residents an alternative development programme focused on restoring security, strengthening economic activities and rebuilding the state’s position as a tourism and commercial centre.
Wettok also identified the Atiku-Amaechi ticket as the party’s presidential platform for the 2027 general elections, linking the state chapter’s political ambitions to its stated national development agenda.
The ADC urged residents to scrutinise the records, policies and programmes of political parties and their candidates before deciding whom to support in the forthcoming elections.
It maintained that Plateau’s development challenges could be addressed through purposeful leadership, investment in productive sectors and deliberate efforts to promote peaceful coexistence among communities.
The party expressed confidence that its proposed policies would provide a foundation for economic recovery and social stability, declaring: “Nigeria will work again! Plateau will work again!”
