From Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Former Senator and ex-Majority Leader, Simon Mwadkwon, has cautioned supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) against mocking those who lost during the party’s primary elections in Plateau State, stressing that politics should not create hatred among members of the same political family.
Sen. Mwadkwon gave the warning on Monday during an interactive session with journalists at his campaign office in Tudun Wada, Jos, shortly after emerging victorious in the APC primary election for the Plateau North Senatorial District.
According to him, nobody should make inflammatory statements or ridicule aspirants who lost in the primaries, noting that the exercise had come and gone.
Speaking on leadership, Mwadkwon said humanity should remain the focus of governance irrespective of religion or ethnicity, adding that human beings are more important than every other consideration.
He acknowledged the insecurity challenges facing Plateau North, where several communities have been displaced by attacks and killings, especially in Bassa, Riyom and other parts of the zone.
The former senator advocated the establishment of state police, saying community policing would help tackle insecurity more effectively because local security personnel understand the language, terrain and culture of their communities.
According to him, the National Assembly should urgently pass the bill establishing state police in order to address the lingering security challenges across the country.
Mwadkwon also urged APC members to remain united following the conclusion of the party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The APC provided me the platform to contest and emerge victorious. I secured over 38,000 votes, while my closest opponent polled about 4,000 votes,” he said.
He described the contest as a family affair and insisted there should be no division among party members after the primaries.
“As winners, for us, there is no winner and no loser. It was an in-house struggle between brothers and sisters,” he said, while appealing to other aspirants to set aside their grievances and work together for the success of the party in 2027.
“We are extending an olive branch to each and every one of them so that we can come together as a family and work for the success of the party in 2027,” he added.
Mwadkwon also congratulated Caleb Mutfwang on his victory in the APC primary, saying the governor’s performance showed he enjoys widespread support across Plateau State.
He further highlighted some of the projects he executed during his time in the Senate, including classroom construction, installation of solar-powered streetlights and other community development projects across Plateau North.
The former lawmaker maintained that both direct and indirect primary elections have their strengths and weaknesses, but stressed that popularity and acceptance among the people remain more important than financial influence in politics.
