We have read with keen interest the lengthy and emotionally charged article published by the Plateau South Progressive Front (PSPF) titled: “2027: Why Senator Lalong Remains Unelectable in Plateau South.” While the article attempted to pass as a political commentary, it rather exposed deep-seated bias, selective memory, and a deliberate distortion of historical facts with the aim of promoting sectional interests.
Let it be stated clearly from the outset: this response is not to idolize Senator Simon Bako Lalong, nor to whitewash any political shortcomings he may have exhibited. Rather, this is a patriotic and data-backed clarification aimed at setting the records straight, particularly on the lopsided and unjustified agitation that the next Plateau South Senator should come from Langtang North or South.
The Tarok Dominance: A Timeline No One Is Talking About
One of the most dishonest claims by the PSPF is that Langtang North/South Federal Constituency deserves the 2027 senatorial seat. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Since the return of democracy in 1999, the Tarok ethnic bloc (Langtang North/South) has dominated the Plateau South Senatorial seat more than any other group in the zone. For clarity, let’s look at the records:
Plateau South Senators Since 1999:
1. Silas Janfa. 1999-2003. Tarok
2. Cosmos Niangwan.2003-2007 Goemai
3. John shagaya 2007-2011. Tarok
4. Victor Lar. 2011-2015. Tarok
5. Jeremiah Useni 2015-2019. Torok
6. Longjan/Nora Dadut.2019-2023.Quaan-Pan
7. Simon Lalong. 2023-2027. Goemai
By this breakdown, Tarok sons have held the Plateau South senatorial seat four times in one form or the other between 1999 and 2023. No other ethnic group in the district comes close.
This is not just a matter of statistics, it is a glaring fact that any fair-minded observer should consider before making fresh claims for zoning. In fact, if there is any group that should take a respectful political backseat in the interest of justice, equity and balance, it is Langtang North and South, not the other way round.
What About Mikang and Wase? The Forgotten Zones
While Tarokland has produced multiple senators, what has been the fate of Mikang and Wase LGAs?
Mikang LGA has never produced a senator since 1999.
Wase LGA, despite being the federal constituency of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (Rt. Hon. Idris Wase), has also never had a shot at the senatorial seat.
So why is the idea of zoning to Mikang or Wase being treated as taboo? Are these LGAs not part of the Southern Zone? Or are they only remembered during election seasons for votes, but not for leadership opportunities?
The idea that the 2027 senatorial ticket must go to Langtang North or South is not just flawed it is unjust, arrogant, and reeks of entitlement.
The Plateau Project and 2027: Let’s Talk Fairness
The same spirit that birthed the “Plateau Project” in 2015 to correct perceived marginalization must now rise to ensure true zoning and rotation across the senatorial district. If fairness, equity, and justice are the principles we preach, then it’s long overdue for either Mikang or Wase to produce the next senator.
The deliberate attempt to manipulate sentiments and rewrite history by placing the blame of all Plateau South’s challenges on Senator Lalong, just to favor a Tarok agenda, is deceitful and politically motivated.
We must ask ourselves hard questions:
Are there no capable sons and daughters from Wase and Mikang or even Shendam and Qua'anpan?
Must leadership always come from the same ethnic bloc?
Should we continue this cycle of recycled dominance at the expense of unity?
Conclusion
The 2027 elections offer a unique opportunity to correct a historical imbalance and build a more united Plateau South. The Tarok nation has contributed immensely to the growth of the zone, no doubt, but so have the Goemai, Jukun, Piapung, and other minority groups. The senatorial seat is not a birthright of any ethnic group.
The call for the next senator to emerge from Mikang, Wase or even Shendam or Quanpan is not just a political gimmick but a chance to represent the southern zone credibly irrespective .
It is time for equity, not entitlement. It is time for rotation, not repetition. It is time for inclusion, not domination.
We reject in totality the misleading call for power to return to Langtang. The Southern Zone must move forward in unity and that future must include all.
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Coalition for Equity in Southern Plateau (CESP)
9th June 2025
