The coalition of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship and councillorship candidates in Plateau State, has stated that the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) must conduct local government elections before 10th October, 2026 or risk creating unconstitutional vacuum.

The coalition acknowledged that pursuant to section 19(1)(2) PLASIEC Law 2024:Elections for Chairman, Vice Chairman, Councilors shall be held same date appointed by Commission, not earlier than 90 days and not later than 30 days before expiration of current term.

They also stated that Section  23(1) of same PLASIEC law provides that LG Council shall stand dissolved at expiration of 2 years from date Chairman took oath OR Legislative Arm inaugurated, whichever earlier. Automatic, no discretion.

Leader of the Coalition, Hon. Sylvanus Datong while 
addressing newsmen on Wednesday at the NUJ Secretariat Jos, posited that the 
current LG democratic structures established October 10, 2024 (elections Oct 9, 2024, sworn-in Oct 10, 2024).

"Therefore tenure expires Oct 10, 2026 - 10 days from today.If PLASIEC fails, unconstitutional vacuum* will be created in 17 LGAs", Datong noted.

He confirmed party primaries held between 11th to 12th March, 2026 with reliance on PLASIEC timetable for LG elections earlier scheduled September 9 / October 9, 2026. 

"Primaries monitored by PLASIEC, all data/records submitted to PLASIEC. Now as of September 30, 2026, PLASIEC has failed/refused to set timetable and new date after failing to meet initial Sept 9 deadline as PLASIEC complacency is calculated attempt to create vacuum", he mentioned.

On Court Judgment of March 13, 2026, which is pending at the Appellate Court, Datong admitted that the suit filed by Hamisu Anani (sole plaintiff) vs Attorney-General of Plateau State (sole defendant), says
PLASIEC was not a party to the suit, so cannot use judgment as reason to not conduct elections.

"PLASIEC is funded from 2026 budget specifically for 2026 LG polls.PDP has filed appeal as interested party, AG Plateau also appealed.PLASIEC not bound by judgment, cannot renege on constitutional mandate.

"PLASIEC must comply with PLASIEC Law 2024 provisions to save democracy. Must make deliberate, conscious effort in next 9 days and conduct free, fair, credible LG elections before Oct 10, 2026 to avoid chaos.

"Plateau State Government must as matter of urgent public importance provide all lawful necessary support to PLASIEC to conduct elections within 9 days, to avoid being complicit if vacuum created", he added.