Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has cast his vote in the March 18, 2023, Gubernatorial and States of Assembly elections, at his hometown Nyak- Ajikamai, in Shendam Local Government.
The election, which is being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 28 states of Nigeria, 3 weeks after the Presidential elections, will not only produce Lalong’s successor but House of Assembly members throughout the state.
The Governor, alongside his wife Regina and members of his household, were accredited and cleared to vote around 12 noon.
Speaking shortly after voting, Lalong said the exercise was seamless as the BVAS machine verified him within 2 minutes to enable him cast his vote. Same went for other members of his family.
The Governor however rated the elections as peaceful but lamented the high level of voter apathy that is affecting participation of voters in the very historic electoral process.
He told newsmen that security and various reports reaching him from various parts of the state indicate that the exercise was going on smoothly except for the low turn out reported in some areas, as at the time the polls commenced.
He however said the numbers have reportedly continued to appreciate, which indicates that before the close of voting, there is expectations of a larger turnout.
On the prospects of a victory for the APC, Lalong said he was optimistic that the people of Plateau State will vote for his party’s candidate, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda in the All Progressives Congress (APC) to succeed him as governor, as well as other candidates of the party to represent various constituencies of the State House of Assembly.
He commended the Plateau electorate for their peaceful conduct during the elections, saying what transpired during the Presidential elections should continue to be upheld as Plateau people are known for peaceful and exemplary conduct.
