(Senator Diket Plang. Photo Credit: Punch News)
Incumbent Senator Diket Plang, who represents the Plateau Central Senatorial District, has failed in his bid to secure a return ticket to the Senate after being defeated in the All Progressives Congress senatorial primaries held on Monday.
Businessman David Bitrus Barji emerged victorious in the contest, beating Plang and the other aspirants by a commanding margin.
The Returning Officer, Saddat Garga, announced the results on Tuesday, confirming that Barji secured 57,727 votes to clinch the party’s ticket.
Senator Plang came in a distant second with just 1,822 votes, while serving state Commissioner Usman Ephraim Gar finished third with 1,322 votes. Other aspirants trailed further behind, with Piwunna John garnering 670 votes and Beatrice Clement James polling 652 votes.
Garga described the primary as peaceful and transparent, commending delegates for their orderly conduct throughout the exercise. With his victory, Barji will now fly the APC flag in the Plateau Central senatorial election during the 2027 general elections.
