The Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Naanlong Daniel Gapyil, has emerged as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Mikang State Constituency after securing a decisive victory in the party’s House of Assembly primary election.

The APC Returning Officer for the exercise, Hon. Muhammad Auwal Hamza, announced Gapyil as the winner shortly after the conclusion of the primary conducted in Mikang Local Government Area under heavy security presence and keen participation by delegates and party faithful.

Declaring the outcome, Hamza said the Plateau Speaker met all constitutional provisions and electoral guidelines governing the conduct of the APC primaries and was therefore duly returned as the party’s flag bearer for the forthcoming state assembly election.

Official results released by the returning officer showed that Gapyil polled 5,606 votes to defeat fellow aspirant, Tindi Nkat, who garnered 1,201 votes.

Hamza described the exercise as peaceful, credible and transparent, noting that the orderly conduct of delegates and stakeholders reflected the growing internal democratic culture within the party.

He commended party leaders, delegates and supporters for maintaining calm throughout the exercise, while also praising officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies for ensuring a hitch-free process.

The announcement of Gapyil’s victory triggered celebrations across parts of Mikang as supporters hailed his emergence and expressed optimism over the party’s chances in the forthcoming House of Assembly election.

Gapyil’s victory is widely seen as reinforcing his political influence within the constituency and consolidating his standing ahead of the next electoral contest.