A House of Representatives aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and former NANS President, Prince Miephen, has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for introducing direct primaries, saying the move has ended the era of candidate imposition and empowered youths to actively participate in the political process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Miephen, who is contesting to represent Mikang, Shendam and Qua’an Pan Federal Constituency in Plateau State, spoke during consultations with APC party stakeholders across the three local government areas of the Constituency.
Addressing stakeholders in Shendam after earlier meetings in Mikang and Qua’an Pan, the aspirant said his visit was to reaffirm his ambition, mobilise grassroots support and strengthen ties with party leaders.
According to him, inclusive engagement remains critical to political success and sustainable governance.
“The essence of this consultation is to carry everyone along. The party remains the bedrock of any political success. When you engage your people from the grassroots, you build trust and ensure that governance reflects the desires of the people,” he said.
He noted that the direct primary system has restored internal democracy within political parties by allowing all members to participate in candidate selection.
“Before now, the process was restrictive and discouraged many young and popular aspirants. But with direct primaries, every member has a voice. This is a major boost for youth participation and democratic fairness,” he said.
Miephen expressed confidence in his chances, citing his longstanding relationship with constituents and years of community engagement.
“I have lived among my people and served them in different capacities. I understand their needs. With this system, I believe the people will decide and entrust me with the mandate,” he added.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC, describing it as a party that promotes inclusiveness, internal democracy and equal opportunity.
The aspirant also commended the Federal Government under the Leadership of President Tinubu for increased inclusion of Plateau indigenes in national appointments, noting that it reflects growing recognition of the state’s contributions.
On his legislative agenda, Miephen promised to bring “energy, capacity, integrity and intellectual depth” to representation, with a focus on attracting federal projects to the constituency.
He listed his priority areas as education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure and entrepreneurship, with emphasis on youth and women empowerment.
“Our people are industrious. What they need is support, access to opportunities, grants and enabling policies to thrive.
“My mission is to provide that through effective representation”.
Miephen pledged to build on past achievements while introducing innovative, people-oriented policies.
“My leadership will be anchored on inclusiveness, consultation and accountability. I will ensure that the voices of our people are heard and their interests protected,” he said.
Meanwhile, stakeholders within the APC across the constituency have thrown their weight behind his aspiration, citing his grassroots approach and consistent engagement.
The APC Chairman in Mikang, Peleng Caleb, described the aspiration as a welcome development, expressing hope that it would usher in quality representation.
Similarly, the APC Chairman in Shendam, Hon. Nuhu Rangmen, commended Miephen’s commitment to the party and assured him of support, urging him to remain focused and consistent.
In Qua’an Pan, the APC Chairman, Alhaji Bala Idris, lauded the consultative approach of the aspirant, noting that such engagement fosters unity and strengthens party cohesion.
Also speaking, a representative of ward chairmen, Dayit Raymond, said Miephen’s outreach had inspired confidence among party faithful, expressing optimism that his candidacy would enhance unity, effective representation and sustainable development across the constituency.
