Nearly two months after the All Progressives Congress (APC) concluded its primary elections for aspirants seeking elective offices in Plateau State, the party has commenced the issuance of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination forms to its successful candidates for upload to the electoral body’s portal.
For many constituencies where uncertainty had lingered, the development appears to have settled every outstanding question. Nowhere was this more anticipated than in Langtang North Central Constituency, where Chief Nandir Lar and Hon. Nanbol Josiah Gomam had separately laid claim to victory in the party’s primary election.
The uncertainty stemmed from conflicting results circulated by supporters of both aspirants, leaving party faithfuls and the electorates awaiting the APC’s official position. With the release of the INEC nomination forms, however, the party has now unmistakably stated its position by recognising Chief Nandir Lar, the Gimbiyan Gani of Gani Chiefdom, as its duly nominated candidate for the 2027 State House of Assembly election.
Trill Times News gathered that the confirmation of Chief Nandir Lar has been received with widespread jubilation across the constituency. From the hills of Gazum to the plains of Bwarat and throughout Gani Chiefdom, supporters celebrated what they described as the affirmation of the mandate freely given during the primary election. Across several villages, party members expressed satisfaction that the APC had remained faithful to its internal democratic processes.
Many supporters believe Chief Nandir Lar enjoys broad acceptance across the constituency and regard her as the party’s strongest electoral prospect. They argue that her grassroots appeal, accessibility and long-standing relationship with party members place her in a strong position to retain the seat for the APC in the forthcoming general election.
On the other hand, Hon. Gomam has continued to reject the party’s decision. In a statement issued on Sunday night, he maintained that he won the primary election and questioned the issuance of the INEC nomination forms to Chief Nandir Lar. He also appealed to his supporters to remain peaceful while he continues to pursue what he considers available party processes.
While every aspirant has the right to seek redress through lawful channels, many political observers believe the APC’s latest action has effectively settled the matter. The issuance of INEC nomination forms is one of the final stages in presenting a candidate to the electoral commission, and many within the party interpret it as a clear indication that the internal contest has been concluded.
Party faithful have also questioned why Langtang North Central remains the only constituency where the outcome of the APC primary continues to generate controversy. Across Plateau State, numerous aspirants participated in the party primaries. Those who were unsuccessful accepted the outcome, congratulated the winners and redirected their attention to strengthening the party ahead of the general election. Many believe the same spirit should prevail in Langtang North Central.
Supporters of Chief Nandir Lar have equally drawn attention to the political events surrounding the 2023 general election. They recalled that when the Court of Appeal nullified the election of Hon. Nanbol Rimvyat of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on the grounds relating to the party’s structure at the time, the Certificate of Return was not awarded to Hon. Gomam because he did not finish as the first runner-up in that election.
Instead, the certificate went to Hon. Daniel Listick Nanbol of the Labour Party, who had placed second. Constituents argue that had Hon. Gomam finished second, he would naturally have been the beneficiary of the court’s decision. Against that background, many now question how he expects to defeat the same Hon. Nanbol Rimvyat, who is once again the PDP’s flag bearer for the 2027 election. They believe the APC acted prudently by presenting a candidate they consider more broadly acceptable and better positioned to secure victory for the party.
Supporters also commended the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the APC State Executive led by Hon Rufus Bature and the National Working Committee being competently chaired by Prof Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe for what they described as a thoughtful and forward-looking decision taken in the overall interest of the party. They pledged their full support to Chief Nandir Lar and expressed confidence that her candidacy would strengthen the APC’s chances at the polls.
With the issuance of the INEC nomination forms, attention is now expected to shift from internal disagreements to the task of preparing for the general election. For many APC members in Langtang North Central, the party has made its position known, and the priority now is to unite behind its recognised candidate and focus on the larger objective of retaining the constituency for the APC.
