A total of 257 candidates have been cleared by the Independent National Electoral Commission to contest the 24 House of Assembly seats in Plateau State, ahead of the 2027 general election, findings by The PUNCH have revealed.
Checks on the final list released by INEC on Saturday showed that Jos North West State Constituency has the highest number of contestants, with 14 candidates jostling for the seat, while Langtang South and Qua’an Pan North constituencies have the least number of contestants, with eight candidates each.
A further breakdown of the lists showed that Barkin Ladi has 11 contestants; Pengana 13; Rukuba/Irigwe 11; Bokkos 10; Jos East 10; Jos North North 13; Jos South 13; Kanke 10; Pankshin North 12; Pankshin South 9; Dengi 10; Kantana 11; Langtang North North 11; Langtang Central 10; Mangu South 11; Mangu North East 10; Mikang 9; Qua’an Pan South 10; Riyom 11; Shendam 10 and Wase 12.
The large number of contestants has continued to generate reactions among residents of the state.
In separate interviews with our correspondent, Mr Francis Pam, a civil servant, said the high number of aspirants showed growing political awareness among the people.
“The fact that 257 people want to go to the House of Assembly means people are now more interested in lawmaking. But the question is whether they are all going there to serve. For Jos North West to have 14 candidates, it means the contest will be very tough there,” he said.
Mrs Grace Emmanuel, a trader at Terminus Market, Jos, said the development is good for democracy but expressed worry about vote buying.
“Many candidates jostling for position is good because we will have choices. But my fear is that some of them will come with money to confuse us. We want people who will make laws that will help market women and our children,” she said.
For Mr Sani Yakubu, a community leader in Langtang South, the low number of contestants in his constituency does not mean lack of interest.
“In Langtang South, we have only eight candidates. That does not mean we are not politically active. It may be because our people have agreed to rally round credible candidates. What we want is a peaceful election,” Yakubu said.
Similarly, Miss Jennifer Bala, a student of the University of Jos, called on INEC to ensure a level playing field for all the candidates.
“With 257 candidates for 24 seats, INEC must be transparent. Let the best candidates win. We as youths are watching,” she said.
Our correspondent reports that all the 257 candidates are contesting the election on the platform of various political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party, All Progressives Congress, Labour Party, African Democratic Congress, Nigeria Democratic Congress, among others.