Plateau group challenges Kefiano to unveil clear governance agenda

The Plateau Initiative for Growth and Development (PIGD) has urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Chief Kefas Ropshik Kefiano, to present a detailed development agenda rather than campaign mainly on his pledge to serve only one term.

The group made the call in a statement on Monday by its National Coordinator, Nengak David, saying the one-term pledge raised questions about the candidate’s priorities and campaign strategy.

PIGD said voters in Plateau State deserved to know how Kefiano intended to tackle insecurity, unemployment, infrastructure deficits, agriculture, education and healthcare if elected.

“The people need to hear what Chief Kefiano will do with power, not merely how long he says he will hold it,” David said.

“A one-term pledge cannot substitute for a practical programme showing how the state will be governed and developed.”

The organisation urged Kefiano to provide specific policies, timelines and measurable targets through which voters could assess his competence and character beyond zonal considerations.

PIGD also questioned the credibility of the one-term pledge, drawing a comparison with Kefiano’s career as a businessman.

“Chief Kefiano is a businessman who has never publicly declared that he intends to stop making money. Why, then, should Plateau citizens simply believe that a politician who wins power will willingly surrender it after one term?” the group asked.

It said such a pledge required more than verbal assurances, stressing the need for convincing guarantees and demonstrable sincerity.

PIGD, however, said its position was not targeted at Kefiano or the PDP alone, urging all governorship candidates and political parties in Plateau to engage voters on policies and realistic programmes.

“We call on politicians, irrespective of party affiliation, to speak honestly to the people,” David said.

“Campaigns must be driven by truth, realistic promises and a genuine commitment to service. Plateau has suffered enough from convenient declarations that disappear once elections are over.”

The group also urged Plateau residents to scrutinise campaign promises and demand issue-based engagements from candidates ahead of the election.

It said voters should insist that every candidate explain what would be done, how it would be implemented and how citizens would hold the next government accountable.