The gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Plateau State, General John Sura (rtd), has declared that he is not running to overturn the zoning arrangement in the state but rather to complete Plateau Central’s final four years’ tenure.
General Sura (rtd.) told newsmen on Monday that zoning in the state is sacred and must be strictly adhered to, stressing that any attempt to rock the boat or scuttle it will have serious consequences and will be entirely rejected by the people of the state.
He mentioned that some historical figures, like the late Head of State, General Muritala Mohammed and the late President Musa Yaradua had short terms in office but made significant contributions and left a legacy that is still relevant today.
ALSO READ: NCSCN calls for independent probe into NSCDC officer’s death
“It has been agreed that each zone must serve two terms of eight years; therefore, I am not contesting to rock the boat or undermine the zoning arrangement on the ground. The zoning was devised to make things easier. As of today the zone that will take over in 2031 has started warming up.
“Any attempt to truncate the arrangement would cause a lot of damage to me in terms of integrity. So, if I win the election, four years will be ample time for me to make an impact and lay a firm foundation for the state and for future generations to build on. So I ask the people of Plateau State to take me at my words.”
The gubernatorial candidate who assured that ADC will be on the ballot next year from the presidential to House of Assembly elections stated that what is happening now is just a passing storm.
“Plateau State is experiencing a leadership failure. it is time for a true leader to emerge. The state at the moment needs someone who will think and work for the state. If I win the election, leaders on all levels will be carried along, so I believe it is time to restore Plateau State’s lost glory.”
The ADC gubernatorial candidate, who stated that Governor Caleb Mutfwang has made no significant achievement thus far, added that the PDP is in disarray and is unsure whether it will be on the ballot in 2027, adding that the ADC therefore has nothing to fear in Plateau State’s governorship elections.
General Sura (rtd.), who emphatically declared that he intends to run for a single term, claimed that he has a target for himself and that his first priority will be to handle the state’s security challenges.
“And I know I’am only going for one term. It’s a matter of understanding of what to do and making goals for yourself. I know what Plateau’s problem is today. The first one is the insecurity; one key element is that the challenges have both internal and external dimensions.” He said.
2027: I’m not contesting to disrupt Plateau zoning arrangement — ADC’s Sura
The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Plateau State, retired Gen. John Sura, has said his decision to contest the 2027 election is not intended to disrupt the state’s zoning arrangement, insisting he would serve only one term if elected.
Sura stated this while speaking with journalists on Monday, explaining that he is seeking to complete the remaining four years allocated to Plateau Central under the state’s power rotation arrangement.
According to him, the zoning formula, which allows each senatorial zone to occupy the governorship for two terms of eight years, should be respected to preserve peace and political stability in the state.
“It has been agreed that each zone must serve two terms of eight years; therefore, I am not contesting to rock the boat or undermine the zoning arrangement on the ground. The zoning was devised to make things easier.
“As of today, the zone that will take over in 2031 has started warming up. Any attempt to truncate the arrangement would cause a lot of damage to me in terms of integrity,” he said.
The retired general said four years would be sufficient for him to make meaningful contributions to the development of the state if given the opportunity to govern.
“If I win the election, four years will be ample time for me to make an impact and lay a firm foundation for the state and for future generations to build on. So I ask the people of Plateau State to take me at my word,” he added.
Sura expressed confidence that the ADC would participate fully in the 2027 general elections, from the presidential to the state assembly polls, describing the party’s current challenges as temporary.
He also said Plateau State requires purposeful leadership to address its development challenges.
“Plateau State is experiencing a leadership failure. It is time for a true leader to emerge. The state at the moment needs someone who will think and work for the state. If I win the election, leaders at all levels will be carried along. I believe it is time to restore Plateau State’s lost glory,” he said.
The ADC governorship candidate criticised the administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, saying it had not recorded significant achievements, and expressed confidence in his party’s chances in the 2027 governorship election.
Reiterating his commitment to serving only one term, Sura said tackling insecurity would be his administration’s immediate priority.
“I know I am only going for one term. It’s a matter of understanding what to do and setting goals for yourself. I know what Plateau’s problem is today. The first one is insecurity, and the challenges have both internal and external dimensions,” he said.