By SN24.com 
By.
Senator Diket Satso Plang, representing Plateau Central Senatorial District, has formally declared his intention to seek re-election in 2027 after purchasing his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms. The lawmaker made the declaration during a tour of his constituency in Pankshin Local Government Area, where he visited traditional rulers, party leaders, and supporters to seek prayers and royal blessings.
Accompanied by his campaign Director-General, Hon. Chief Maichibi Vwarji, PhD, and other stakeholders, Senator Plang visited the palace of the Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit, to inform the traditional council of his ambition. The visit was later extended to the Chairman of Pankshin Local Government, Hon. Felix Amos Gonung, before culminating at the APC Local Government Secretariat in Pankshin, which was filled to capacity with party faithful and supporters.
Addressing a mammoth crowd at the APC Secretariat, Senator Plang displayed his nomination form and said his visit was to officially and humbly notify his constituents, traditional ruler, and party structure of his decision to contest again. He stated that he desires the prayers of his people and believes it is only proper to inform them before proceeding with any political process.
Explaining why he is seeking a second term, Plang said the Senate requires experience, networks, and deep understanding of legislative procedures which take years to build. He noted that the first four years in the Senate are largely a learning period for building relationships and spreading influence. He added that returning would position him for a Grade A committee or principal office, which would enhance his productivity and contributions to the zone.
The Senator said his three years in the 10th Senate have been impactful, with two of his bills already passed by the Senate and awaiting presidential assent. They include a bill for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Kanke LGA to serve Plateau Central and adjoining communities in Bauchi State, and a bill for a National Eye Centre in Pushit, Mangu LGA, to support Nigeria’s only school for the blind and improve access to eye care.
Plang further listed four other bills at various stages in the National Assembly. These include a bill for an Irrigation and Water Management Institute in Longkat to train farmers and promote water conservation, and a bill for an Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Centre in Jos to harness Plateau’s intellectual potential. He disclosed that he has already sponsored a student to study Artificial Intelligence in India ahead of the centre’s establishment.
Other legislative proposals include a bill for a Federal College of Technology and Vocational Studies to promote entrepreneurship, constitutional amendment bills on population and environmental conservation, and a bill for the establishment of Nigeria’s first University of Mining and Geosciences. He argued that Nigeria needs experts in mineralogy to maximize its vast mineral deposits and reduce dependence on foreign surveyors.
Beyond bills, Senator Plang said he has moved several motions, including one that led to the award of the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe road project after he drew attention to the exclusion of Plateau Central from legacy projects. He warned that several constituency projects and lobbying efforts could stall if he does not return to the Senate, adding that a new senator would likely start afresh with different priorities.
Responding at his palace, the Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit, prayed for the Senator and advised all six aspirants from the zone to prioritize road infrastructure and avoid politics of hate. He jokingly referenced a dream in which Plang bought him a car, saying traditional councils need vehicles and good roads. He stressed that traditional rulers offer parental advice and pray for the best candidate to emerge.
Pankshin Local Government Chairman, Hon. Felix Amos Gonung, described Plang’s declaration as a good development for pankshin and the entire central zone. He assured the Senator of his prayers and pledged to work closely with him to retain the Senate seat in Pankshin, citing visible achievements across the constituency during Plang’s tenure.
APC Pankshin LGA Chairman, Yakubu Damulak, said the party is proud of Plang’s record in the 10th Senate and supports his second-term bid to consolidate gains. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms and Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s developmental strides, while also praising Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda for youth and women empowerment programmes. He urged residents to support APC and Tinubu in 2027.
Elder stakeholder and campaign DG, Hon. Chief Maichibi Vwarji, PhD, said no previous senator from Pankshin has sponsored as many bills as Plang. He described claims that the Senator has not performed as “ignorance,” noting that Plang ranks among top legislators in the 10th Senate. He called on other aspirants from Pankshin to unite behind Plang, arguing that his connections and pending bills are critical to the zone’s progress.
