PROPAGANDA HAS EXPIRED: PLATEAU VOTERS NOW ASKING TOUGH QUESTIONS

There is a new mood in Plateau politics. The old playbook is no longer working.

For years, elections were won with loud slogans, ethnic sentiments, and well-packaged propaganda. That era is coming to an end.

Today, Plateau people are asking harder questions. They are no longer swallowing narratives hook, line and sinker. They are checking records, interrogating promises, comparing manifestos, and separating performance from packaging.

The age of blind loyalty is fading. The age of evidence has begun.

Citizens are more alert than ever. Government records are now in the public domain. Claims can be fact-checked in seconds. Promises can be measured against delivery. Propaganda can no longer cover incompetence.

As we move towards 2027, what should count is no longer who has the loudest media team or the most choreographed crowd.

What should count is clear vision, proven record, credible plan, and demonstrated capacity to deliver.

Who has a blueprint that can be understood?

Who has a record that can be verified?

Who has the competence to manage scarce resources and deliver real results?

These are the questions Plateau people are asking.

The future of Plateau cannot and should not be decided by propaganda, blackmail or recycled lies. It must be decided by superior ideas and superior performance.

So let the contest begin.

Let ideas compete.

Let records speak.

Let evidence lead.

Let the people decide.

PLATEAU FIRST.

PLATEAU 2027: THE GREAT ROAD ROBBERY – WHO OWNS MARARABA JOS-IBI ROAD?

(By Walbe OGAK)

As Mutfwang Govt Claims Federal Project, Records Show Nentawe's Fingerprints

The road to 2027 in Plateau State is getting murkier, and the latest controversy is over who actually owns one of the most strategic roads in the state - the Mararaba Jos to Ibi Road, which connects Plateau to Taraba State.

According toDr. Samaila Achigak A. Last week, the Sir Joe Ari Strategic Media Team, handlers of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, went to town with a bold claim: That their principal had secured the approval for the construction of the all-important Mararaba Jos - Ibi Federal Road.

The claim, however, collapsed like a pack of cards within hours, especially after the administration's lukewarm reception in Shendam, which many saw as a desperate attempt to save face.

Investigations reveal a different story entirely. The Mararaba Jos - Ibi Road is not a Plateau State Government project. It was not conceived by the Mutfwang administration. It was not lobbied for by Little Rayfield.

It is, in fact, another testimony of Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe's lobbying power at the centre.

Sources at the Federal Ministry of Works confirmed that the project was facilitated through sustained strategic engagement by Dr. Nentawe with the Presidency and the Federal Government - his brainchild, his effort, his political engineering.

Political watchers in Jos have described the move as the height of political scavenging.

"What we are seeing is a government that is bankrupt of achievements, running around Abuja to hijack federal projects and rebrand them as state achievements," a senior APC chieftain in Shendam told The Standard.

"This has never happened in Plateau history where a sitting Governor has to cling to another man's effort to survive politically. It shows desperation, not leadership."

After nearly four years and receiving trillions of naira in FAAC, IGR, and interventions, critics ask: what does Plateau have to show?

The administration's scorecard has been trailed by controversies:

- Claims of renovating 300+ Primary Health Centres, many of which are yet to be seen.

- Employment of 1,000 doctors that the NMA Plateau says it cannot verify.

- Training of 2,000 Plateau youths abroad in ICT, with no list, no location.

- Roads that exist only on social media graphics.

"When it is time to show real projects, they run to Nentawe's federal achievements. That is anti-performance cover-up," Dr. Rukuba noted.

"We were at Gharan when this road was flagged off. We know who facilitated it. We know who drove it. You cannot make Plateau people zombies overnight," said a community leader from Shendam.

The rejection in Shendam, analysts say, should have been a moment for reflection for the government, not an opportunity to double down on propaganda.

Beyond the road controversy, Plateau people are also asking questions about accountability of humanitarian funds:

- ₦2 billion Angwan Rukuba intervention by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

- ₦1.5 billion support fund by First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu

- ₦100 million private donation by Apostle Johnson Suleman and others

"Where are these funds? Money meant for victims should not be converted to a 2027 war chest. Such money carries moral, spiritual and political consequences," the statement added.

As 2027 approaches, one thing is clear: Plateau voters have become more discerning.

"If you don't have projects to showcase, leave Nentawe's projects alone. Plateau people now know how to listen carefully, question boldly and reject deception decisively," the feature concluded.

PLATEAU FIRST: KEFAS-KEFIANO SALUTES MANJI’S NATIONAL BREAKTHROUGH

Manji’s Emergence Is a Victory for Plateau, Ngas People and Nigerian Workers

The PDP Governorship Candidate in Plateau State, Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik, has congratulated Comrade Gotau Eugene Manji on his election as National President of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), describing the development as a powerful affirmation of Plateau’s capacity to produce leaders of national relevance.

Chief Kefas said Manji’s emergence represents more than a union leadership transition, describing it as a national recognition of years of grassroots engagement, labour leadership and commitment to the welfare of workers.

For the PDP candidate, the achievement carries particular significance for the Ngas people, as Manji becomes another Plateau son entrusted with a major national responsibility.

“Today, we celebrate not just an individual, but the strength, resilience and capacity of our people to rise from the grassroots and earn the confidence of Nigerians,” Chief Kefas said.

He noted that Manji’s journey from leadership of the NLC in Plateau State to the national presidency of AUPCTRE demonstrates the importance of credible grassroots leadership, courage and service to the people.

Chief Kefas said Plateau needs more leaders who can translate local experience into national influence, stressing that the state’s sons and daughters must continue to occupy spaces where decisions affecting ordinary Nigerians are made.

He described Manji’s new responsibility as an opportunity to strengthen the voice of Nigerian workers, promote fairness in the workplace and contribute meaningfully to national development.

“When one of our own rises, Plateau rises. When our people earn national responsibility, the entire state earns greater visibility and influence. This is the Plateau First spirit—recognising our people, supporting their progress and ensuring that Plateau continues to matter in national affairs,” he said.

Chief Kefas further urged Manji to remain steadfast in defending the dignity and legitimate interests of Nigerian workers, while bringing to his new assignment the humility, courage and sense of responsibility that have characterised his leadership journey.

He assured the newly elected AUPCTRE President of his goodwill and prayers, expressing confidence that his tenure would provide another opportunity for a Plateau son to contribute to the advancement of workers and the nation.

On behalf of his family and the Plateau First movement, Chief Kefas congratulated Comrade Gotau Eugene Manji and wished him wisdom, strength and a successful tenure.

Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik

PDP Governorship Candidate

Plateau State

BLDR. RAPHAEL RUME SUPPORTS MILE 8 FER JUNIOR SECONDARY WITH LEARNING MATERIALS

(BY WALBE OGAK)

In line with Governor Caleb Mutfwang's renewed commitment to educational development, the "Time is Now" administration has established a Junior Secondary School at Mile 8 Fer in Pankshin Local Government Area, bringing secondary education closer to the rural community for the first time.

In a commendable show of support for the Governor's good gesture, Bldr. Raphael Rume has stepped forward to complement government's effort by distributing learning materials to the newly admitted students of the school. The intervention includes books, writing materials and other essential learning aids to help the pioneer students settle down quickly into academic activities.

Bldr. Rume, who described education as the foundation for the future, said his gesture was borne out of his desire to key into Governor Mutfwang's vision of revamping education at the grassroots. According to him, when government brings the school to the doorstep of the people, it is the responsibility of well-meaning individuals to support the initiative to succeed.

The beneficiaries and community leaders of Mile 8 Fer expressed profound gratitude to both the Governor and Bldr. Rume, noting that the establishment of the school has removed the burden of trekking long distances to access junior secondary education, while the learning materials have eased the financial pressure on parents.

Indeed, this synergy between government and private individuals is what Plateau needs to rebuild its educational sector. Bldr. Rume's contribution is not just about books, it is about inspiring hope and investing in the future of Plateau children.

Details coming soon...

WHY LETEP DABANG SHOULD BE APPLUADED

(BY WALBE OGAK)

In a political era where betrayal, double-dealing, lies and propaganda have become the order of the day, one politician has stood out as a shining example of honour and principle, and deserves to be commended - Hon. Letep Dabang.

It is common knowledge in the Nigerian political system that you hardly find a politician willing to resign his juicy position on the basis of principle. Most would rather sit on the fence, pretend to be loyal to a candidate while secretly working against him, and only on election day or in the dead of the night will they reveal their true colours. They want to eat their cake and have it.

But in the case of Letep Dabang, the story is different. Upon deciding to pursue his political interest contrary to that of the administration where he served as Adviser to the APC National Chairman on Special Duties, he did not choose to stay and sabotage from within. He did not sit on the fence or pretend to be supporting Governor Mutfwang while still holding onto a lucrative federal appointment.

Rather, he honourably tendered his resignation. That singular act of courage, integrity and political sincerity is rare and worthy of emulation. In a time when many celebrate treachery as smart politics, Letep Dabang has shown that it is still possible to play politics with dignity and honour. For this, he should be commended.

KEFIANO TAKES HEALTHCARE TO THE GRASSROOTS, TARGETS 17,000 PLATEAU RESIDENTS

As the 2027 political conversation in Plateau State increasingly focuses on what leadership should deliver at the grassroots, Chief Kefas Ropshik Wungak, popularly known as Kefiano, has moved healthcare access to the centre of his community engagement with a free medical outreach across the state’s 17 Local Government Areas.

Organised through the Kefiano Global Foundation, the one-day outreach scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026, is designed to provide free medical services to 1,000 residents in each Local Government Area, translating to a projected 17,000 beneficiaries. The exercise, running from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., is expected to take medical attention directly to communities through designated centres across Plateau.

From Bassa to Bokkos, Wase to Langtang, Jos North to Jos South and Pankshin to Mangu, residents have been invited to access the free services. The designated centres include Jebbu Bassa ECWA Primary School, Emir Palace Wase, Somung PHC, Bukuru Stadium, Pankshin PHC Town, Bokkos Central PHC and other locations across the 17 LGAs. The foundation has also appealed to residents to inform relatives and loved ones who may require medical attention.

Beyond the immediate medical intervention, the outreach is being presented by Kefiano’s campaign platform as part of a broader argument for people-centred politics, where healthcare, livelihoods and basic social needs remain central to public leadership. The initiative places Kefiano’s name in the ongoing 2027 debate over how political leadership can translate campaign promises and public engagement into practical interventions at the community level.

For Kefiano, the message is direct: healthcare is not merely a political talking point but a grassroots concern requiring attention. As Plateau moves toward 2027, initiatives such as this are likely to remain part of the wider conversation about healthcare access, community development and the responsibilities of those seeking public office.

PDP RAISES ALARM OVER ALLEGED DESTRUCTION OF BILLBOARDS

Party Accuses Mutfwang Administration of Intimidation, Harassment and Political Intolerance

(By Walbe Ogak)

The Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised the alarm over the alleged systematic removal of banners, billboards and other campaign materials belonging to its 2027 governorship candidate, Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik (Kefiano), describing the development as a disturbing sign of political intolerance ahead of the 2027 elections.

The party, in a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Dr. Samaila Achigak A. Rukuba, alleged that PDP campaign materials were being pulled down across the state, with the most recent incident reportedly occurring in Mangu Local Government Area.

The PDP alleged that the removals were politically motivated and constituted an attempt to suppress the visibility of opposition parties in the state.

According to the party, the development raises concerns about the protection of political plurality and the right of opposition parties and candidates to participate freely in the electoral process.

The statement said the alleged action was particularly concerning coming shortly after pronouncements by the General Manager of the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) regarding billboard regulations.

The PDP questioned the legal and administrative basis of the enforcement of the regulations, arguing that genuine regulation of outdoor advertising should be applied transparently and without political discrimination.

“What we are witnessing now is not regulation, but a calculated campaign of political suppression,” the party alleged.

The PDP maintained that democracy depends on political competition and the ability of different parties and candidates to communicate their programmes and engage with voters.

It therefore called on the Plateau State Government to halt what it described as harassment, intimidation and unlawful interference with opposition political activities.

The party also appealed to elders and political stakeholders across Plateau State to intervene and encourage political tolerance ahead of the 2027 elections.

It urged security agencies to remain neutral and resist any attempt to use them as instruments of political intimidation or oppression.

The PDP further expressed concern that political disagreements could become entangled with security operations, warning against any alleged use of security concerns to target members or supporters of opposition parties.

While reaffirming its commitment to peace and democratic engagement, the party said it would defend its members, candidates and political rights through lawful and constitutional means.

The statement added that the party was documenting what it described as incidents of harassment and would pursue appropriate legal, political and democratic remedies where necessary.

The PDP called on all political actors to exercise restraint and uphold Plateau State's longstanding tradition of political participation, coexistence and peaceful competition.

The party stressed that it would continue to participate in the political process and would not be deterred from engaging voters ahead of the 2027 elections.

E-Signed:

Dr. Samaila Achigak A. Rukuba

State Publicity Secretary

PDP, Plateau State