Plateau 2027: ADC Unveils Chundung Kele As Sura's Running Mate; Sura Says He Seeks No Personal Vanity, Claims ADC Presidential Candidate's Speech Shook Nigeria, Forced Fuel Price Cut

By: Labaran Ahmed 

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Plateau State, retired Brigadier General John Sunday Sura, has unveiled Honourable Chundung Bitus Pwajok Kele as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election, pledging to prioritise security, sustainable rural development and people-centred governance.

At the unveiling ceremony, held on Monday, October 19, 2026, at Zumji Event Centre, Sabon Bariki, along Bukuru Road in Jos South Local Government Area, Sura declared that his ambition was not driven by personal vanity or an intention to disrupt the zoning arrangements that had shaped the state's political leadership.

The event attracted ADC executives, candidates, stakeholders, supporters and members of the press, providing a platform for the party to outline its political agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Addressing the gathering, Sura said his decision to contest the governorship was motivated by the need to confront insecurity, heal divided communities and restore Plateau State's reputation as the Home of Peace and Tourism. "I am not running to fulfil personal vanity or to disrupt the sacrifice zoning arrangements that have kept this state going," he said.

The governorship candidate described himself as a leader returning from the battlefield to confront the challenges facing Plateau, arguing that the state required strategic and decisive leadership to address insecurity and other developmental concerns.

He said his proposed administration would be built around the people, insisting that residents would form the foundation of his government rather than allowing political interests to dictate its direction. "The structure of my government, by the grace of God, is going to be the people of Plateau State," Sura declared.

He identified security and sustainable rural development as the two principal priorities of his proposed administration, promising to strengthen local security structures, revive agriculture, protect the environment and create conditions favourable to investment.

Sura also pledged to manage public resources responsibly, remain accessible to residents and pursue policies that would promote unity across Plateau's diverse communities.

Sura also praised the ADC's national leadership, claiming that a speech delivered by the party's presidential candidate Alh. Atiku Abubakar on September 18, 2026, had shaken the country's political establishment and contributed to a reduction in petrol prices.

The governorship candidate expressed confidence in the party's political prospects, suggesting that the 2027 election presented an opportunity for a change of leadership in Plateau State.

He urged party members to work collectively towards achieving their political objectives, stressing that electoral success would require commitment and sustained grassroots mobilisation.

Explaining his choice of running mate, Sura said he sought a partner whose experience, integrity, compassion and understanding of the people's needs would complement his background.

He introduced Kele as the co-captain of the ADC's proposed rescue mission, describing her as a woman capable of contributing to effective governance and social advancement.

According to him, their joint ticket was designed to combine his security experience and administrative approach with her public-service background and grassroots political engagement.

Sura further argued that women and young people should be recognised as strategic participants in governance rather than merely as voters.

The ADC State Publicity Secretary, Honourable Silas Audu Wettok, presented the official citation of the party's deputy governorship nominee before her formal unveiling.

The citation described Kele as a public servant, political leader, community advocate and grassroots mobiliser whose career had been defined by service, inclusion and commitment to the people.

Born on November 19, 1974, in Maiduguri, Borno State, Kele hails from Du District in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to the citation, she has accumulated more than 15 years of experience spanning public administration, legislative service, political engagement and community development.

Her previous positions include Special Assistant on Special Duties in the Office of the Plateau State Governor, councillor representing Du Ward in Jos South Local Government Council, and supervisory councillor with responsibilities covering finance and social services.

The citation also highlighted her service in the Nigerian Air Force, including assignments in Ikeja, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Government House, Owerri.

She subsequently served as an aide to the wife of the Deputy Governor of Anambra State.

Politically, Kele has served as Northern Secretary of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and contested elections for the Plateau State House of Assembly, local government chairmanship and the House of Representatives.

The citation presented these experiences as evidence of her familiarity with grassroots politics, public administration and the institutional demands of governance.

It also described her as a bridge-builder with the capacity to engage people across communities, religious affiliations, ethnic groups and generations.

Earlier, the Plateau State ADC Chairman, Honourable Farmer Dung Daweng Pam, described the event as an important step in the party's preparations for the 2027 elections.

Pam said the party intended to build its political strength around ordinary citizens, arguing that its structure should be rooted in the grassroots rather than in financial influence or political imposition.

"We are here to tell Plateau people that a new beginning is possible, and a new beginning has come," he said.

"Our structure is not in any secret room. Our structure is the people of Plateau State." He expressed hope that the unveiling would strengthen the party's mobilisation efforts and encourage members to work together ahead of the elections.

In his vote of thanks, the ADC candidate for Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency, Honourable Jamilu Lawandi Datti, called for unity among party candidates, executives and supporters.

Datti said the party needed a common front to address the country's challenges, including insecurity, unemployment, economic hardship and the rising cost of living.

He urged members to put aside their differences and concentrate on their shared political objectives, stressing that no candidate could achieve electoral success without collective support.

He also assured party stakeholders that ADC candidates in Plateau State were committed to engaging residents, listening to their concerns and presenting policies designed to address their needs.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with journalists, Honourable Siben John Maram alleged that Bokkos had not benefited from completed and commissioned projects under the current administration in key sectors, including road construction, healthcare and education.

He claimed that no kilometre of road had been completed and commissioned in the constituency and that the area had not received newly commissioned hospital facilities or classrooms under the administration.

The lawmaker expressed concern over what he described as inadequate healthcare services and a shortage of basic amenities, arguing that residents needed improved infrastructure and better access to essential public services.

The lawmaker made the claims while expressing support for the ADC's preparations for the 2027 elections, describing the unveiling of Kele as an important step in the party's activities in Plateau State.

He said economic hardship, insecurity and the rising cost of living had increased public concern about governance, adding that residents were looking for improvements in the delivery of essential services.

According to Maram, the cost of petrol, school fees, food and other necessities had placed considerable pressure on households.

He cited a petrol price of approximately ₦1,500 per litre but did not specify the location or period to which the figure applied.

The Bokkos lawmaker expressed support for the ADC governorship ticket led by Sura, with Kele as his running mate, saying he hoped their proposed administration would address some of the challenges confronting Plateau State.

He pointed to Sura's military background and security experience, expressing the hope that these would contribute to efforts to tackle insecurity.

Maram also called on residents of Bokkos and other parts of the state to support ADC candidates in the 2027 elections.