The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) has officially announced the results of the just-concluded local government elections, unveiling the new chairmen for 15 of the state’s 17 local government councils.

The results, declared by PLASIEC Chairman, Hon. Plangji Daniel Cishak, marked a significant moment in Plateau’s governance, as the newly elected leaders were sworn in to begin their tenures.

Among the notable winners is Barr. J.K Chris, who secured a landslide victory in Jos North with 97,002 votes, while Silas Patrick Dung clinched the chairmanship of Jos South with 49,342 votes. Mangu’s Emmanuel Bala also emerged with a significant win, polling 64,639 votes.

Here is the complete list of the newly elected chairmen and their vote tallies:

1. Barikin Ladi – Steven Gyang Pwajok (23,303 votes)
2. Bassa – Dr. Joshua Sunday Riti (18,989 votes)
3. Bokkos – Amanalau John (32,154 votes)
4. Jos North – Barr. J.K Chris (97,002 votes)
5. Jos South – Silas Patrick Dung (49,342 votes)
6. Jos East – Markus Ussaini Nyam (12,765 votes)
7. Kanam – Salihu Ayuba Musa (71,946 votes)
8. Kanke – Lapching Ezekiel (24,970 votes)
9. Langtang South – Nanfa Alhassan Nbin (14,659 votes)
10. Mangu – Emmanuel Bala (64,639 votes)
11. Mikang – Benard Alkali (15,081 votes)
12. Quan Pan – Christopher Audu Ma (35,264 votes)
13. Riyom – Bature Sati Shuwa (24,973 votes)
14. Shendam – Kemi Nicholas Nshe (34,566 votes)
15. Wase – Hamisu Anani Muhammad (42,819 votes)

The swearing-in ceremony for these chairmen was held earlier this week, presided over by Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the Langfield venue in Jos. However, the chairmen for Pankshin and Langtang North are yet to be sworn in, with the process expected to be completed soon.

In his speech, Governor Mutfwang congratulated the newly elected officials and emphasized the importance of transparent governance. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring that local governments operate with autonomy while working closely with the state government to deliver development to the grassroots.

The governor also praised the peaceful conduct of the elections, commending PLASIEC for organizing a credible electoral process. He encouraged those dissatisfied with the results to pursue legal action rather than disrupting the peace, affirming that his administration would support and ensure accountability from the local leaders through a peer review mechanism.

As these chairmen take up their roles, expectations are high across Plateau State for improved local governance and service delivery, particularly in areas like infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security. The focus now shifts to Pankshin and Langtang North, whose leadership will be finalized in the coming days.

The people of Plateau State are optimistic that the newly elected officials will live up to their promises and drive the much-needed development in their respective local government areas.