From Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State, Mr. Biggs, has expressed confidence that his over 20 years of experience in government service has equipped him with the capacity to redirect the state’s development and restore its position among the leading states in Nigeria.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Jos on Friday, the PDP candidate said his extensive experience in public service would enable him to provide purposeful leadership if elected governor.
According to him, he served as a Director of Protocol and later as a Permanent Secretary, positions through which he contributed to governance and impacted lives, despite not holding any political office.
“I did not award contracts or engage in construction projects, which are often the visible indicators of development. However, when it comes to touching human lives, I can confidently say that I have made meaningful contributions,” he stated.
Mr. Biggs noted that his record of service speaks for itself and that many beneficiaries of his interventions can attest to his commitment to humanitarian causes.
“It is not for me to sit here and begin listing what I have done for individuals or communities. My record is clear, and it reflects the impact I have made over the years,” he said.
He disclosed that he has supported educational initiatives, including interventions at the School for the Blind in Jos, and has sponsored indigenous students through his personal foundation despite limited resources.
“In my own little way, I have tried to make a difference. If given the opportunity to serve as governor, I believe I can expand these efforts and impact more lives across Plateau State,” he added.
The PDP flagbearer explained that his visit to the NUJ Press Centre was part of efforts to engage with journalists and seek their support in promoting his vision for the state.
Reflecting on his political journey, Mr. Biggs recalled that he contested the 2023 governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC) before joining the PDP to continue his aspiration.
He said his ambition was driven by his concern over recent developments in Plateau State and his desire to see the state achieve greater progress.
“Taking Plateau to greater heights is not about family ties or personal interests. It is a collective responsibility that requires competent leadership and accountability,” he said.
According to him, performance should be the sole criterion for public office, irrespective of where an individual comes from.
“If anyone associated with me fails to perform, such a person has no business remaining in office, regardless of whether he is from Mangu or any other part of the state. Plateau is bigger than any individual,” he stressed.
Mr. Biggs also addressed concerns regarding zoning and representation, explaining that the governorship slot had been ceded to Plateau Central Senatorial Zone and subsequently to Mangu Local Government Area.
He stated that his aspiration was aimed at completing the eight-year tenure allocated to the zone while ensuring effective leadership and development.
The PDP candidate criticized the performance of the current administration, alleging that it had failed to deliver meaningful development over the past three years.
“We have all witnessed events on the Plateau in the last three years. It is difficult to point to significant developmental projects initiated or executed by the present government,” he alleged.
He argued that poor performance by the current administration could negatively affect the political prospects of future leaders from Mangu.
“We want a situation where a person from Mangu can proudly take a seat at the table whenever issues concerning Plateau State are discussed. Unfortunately, the current performance has not earned us the recognition we deserve,” he said.
Mr. Biggs maintained that the time had come to change the narrative and demonstrate that leadership should be judged by competence rather than kinship.
On the internal affairs of the PDP, he insisted that the party remained united despite the existence of different political camps.
“The PDP remains one united party. The issues have been settled by the Supreme Court, and what remains is the interpretation of the judgment by INEC and its legal advisers,” he explained.
He added that regardless of the outcome of the interpretation, all members, including those aligned with different factions, remain part of the same party.
“The fact that some people belong to the Turaki group or the Wike group does not make them less of PDP members. We are all PDP, and the party remains intact,” he stated.
