Bature Vows to Run 'Digital-First' APC, Paving Way for Transparent Primaries in Plateau

Timescope News

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State, Hon. Rufus Bature, has pledged to transform the party with a "digital-first" approach and ensure transparent primaries, following his emergence for a second four-year term.

Speaking shortly after assuming office, Bature stated that Plateau people should expect improved party leadership, stronger collaboration with the government, and policies designed to ensure grassroots development.

“What the people of Plateau expect from us as a party and as a government is nothing but the best,” Bature said. “We will work assiduously to make sure we meet the expectations of the people and ensure that the dividends of democracy trickle down to the poorest of the poor within our communities.”

The APC chairman said the party would continue to advocate for good governance while working closely with public officeholders to protect the interests of Plateau citizens and strengthen security across communities.

According to him, the party will also align its programmes with government objectives through a policy framework guided by the APC constitution.

Bature revealed that the party is working toward the full digital registration of members to strengthen its database and improve internal organisation.

“We want the party to be fully digitized,” Bature stated. “Our members will be electronically registered with their details attached to their names so that the real number of APC members can be accessed anytime.”

He noted that the digitisation effort would help eliminate ghost members and ensure accurate figures for future elections and resource allocation.

On preparations for party primaries ahead of upcoming elections, the chairman assured aspirants of a level playing field.

“By the provision of the Electoral Act, we can choose our candidates through direct primaries or consensus,” he said. “But whichever option we adopt, a level playing ground will be created for everyone who wants to contest.”

Bature also dismissed concerns about internal divisions following the recent congress, insisting that reconciliation mechanisms were already in place. He stressed that new entrants into the party would enjoy equal opportunities with older members.

“It is not us versus them anymore,” he said. “We are one APC now, and everyone has equal rights and privileges within the party.”

The chairman further disclosed plans to organise a statewide workshop for party officials from ward to state level to clearly define their roles and responsibilities.

“We will organize a workshop for party officials where professionals will train the new executives and representatives on what is expected of them,” he said. “We are entering a new stage where things will not be done the way they were done before.”

Looking ahead to the next general election, Bature said the party would intensify membership registration and mobilisation to increase its numerical strength.

“We stopped the registration earlier to meet the requirements of the electoral commission before our congresses,” he explained. “But we will continue registering members, and we are confident that we will surpass the numbers recorded in the last election.”

He expressed optimism that the party’s growing support base would strengthen its performance in future polls and consolidate its political influence in Plateau State.