Lalong’s Wase Visit Leaves Supporters Empty-Handed

Senator Simon Bako Lalong has visited Wase for the first time since his election as Plateau Southern Senator four years ago. He arrived at the APC party secretariat in Wase without officially informing party leaders. Hundreds of supporters gathered to wait for him, but he left them with without proper addressing and the need of his visit In a video clip from the visit. Many supporters now say they feel weak about him ahead of the direct primary election tomorrow.

Senator Lalong is among six aspirants contesting for the Southern Plateau Senate seat. He is the current senator in the zone. However, many people in the zone have accused him of not doing anything during his tenure at the red chamber. His first visit in four years has now become a campaign issue.

In the video, people at the party secretariat were shouting “Bamayi” in Lalong’s presence. The APC party chairman, Hon. Shagari Yusuf, tried to control the crowd. He asked them to stop accusing Lalong publicly. But the people shook off the chairman and continued shouting “Bamayi sai ka fadi.”

Hon. Shagari Yusuf said Senator Lalong is a statesman and an elderly person. He noted that Lalong ruled Plateau State for a good eight years and is now a serving senator. The chairman said Lalong deserves respect. He urged all party supporters to be respectful to party leaders. Under his leadership, he said, there is no room for disrespect to any member or stakeholder.

The visit has damaged Lalong’s standing among Wase APC supporters just before the direct primary election. Many now say he does not deserve their vote. The outcome of tomorrow’s primary will show whether the senator can recover from this poor reception.