2027: Hon Lapchine Hails Tinubu, Mutfwang, Nentawe Over Projects, Appointments

(By Walbe Orgak)

As political alignments gradually take shape ahead of the 2027 general elections, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State is emerging as a focal point in the unfolding political calculations, with its chairman, Hon. Lapching Ezekiel Golime, linking ongoing development interventions and political appointments to growing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.

Golime, who spoke shortly after the inauguration of Special Advisers appointed by Governor Mutfwang, described Kanke’s emergence as the local government with the highest number of appointees as an act of divine timing and a demonstration of the state government’s recognition of the people.

For the council chairman, the appointments represent more than political representation. They signal an opportunity for Kanke indigenes to participate in governance and contribute to decisions affecting the development of their communities.

“It is not a magic per se, but at God’s given time, there is a time that God planned for everybody to have his own time and opportunity at the right time,” Lapchine said.

Beyond the appointments, the chairman pointed to infrastructure and human development initiatives as evidence of the benefits accruing to Kanke from the current administrations at the state and federal levels.

According to him, state government projects worth above ₦40 billion have been attracted to the area within a relatively short period, while federal interventions have also contributed to the growing presence of government projects in the local government.

Lapchine expressed appreciation to Tinubu, Mutfwang and Yilwatda, maintaining that the people of Kanke had reasons to acknowledge the interventions and support efforts aimed at bringing more development to the area.

“In terms of human development, sincerely we are grateful to this particular government,” he stated.

With the 2027 elections approaching, Lapchine’s remarks underscore the growing importance of development records, political inclusion and grassroots engagement in shaping electoral narratives across Plateau State.

For political stakeholders in Kanke, the argument is straightforward: visible projects, appointments and programmes that directly affect the people could become important considerations when voters make their choices at the polls.

Golime made it clear that the people would be encouraged to reciprocate what he described as the goodwill extended to them by the three leaders.

“What do we have to say? Just to say thank you, we will give them the vote in 2027 to replicate the gesture that they have given to us. It is not about pretence, but it is about what we can bring to our people,” he said.

He added that the coming campaign period would provide an opportunity to present the benefits recorded under the federal, state and local governments, insisting that political mobilisation should be anchored on what leaders have delivered to their constituents.

“The campaign time is coming. We will tell people, yes, this is the benefit we have gotten from the federal government, from the state level and from the local government,” Lapchine declared.

The inauguration of the Special Advisers has added another dimension to the political conversation in Kanke, where representation in government is being viewed as an opportunity to advance local interests.

Hon. Lapchine described the development as a privilege for the people, arguing that appointments, when combined with tangible development programmes, can strengthen the relationship between government and communities.

His position also places emphasis on the political value of inclusion, particularly in a state where questions of representation, equitable distribution of opportunities and development remain central to political debates.

By highlighting Kanke’s share of appointments under Mutfwang, the chairman presented the development as evidence that the state administration has given the area a place in its governance structure.

Hon Lapchine also acknowledged the federal government's interventions in Kanke, expressing appreciation to President Tinubu and APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, for what he described as increased attention to the area.

He cited several project figures during the interview, including references to ₦94 billion, ₦8 billion and ₦19 billion in ongoing interventions. 

The Council chairman maintained that the presence of federal and state interventions had strengthened his conviction that Kanke was benefiting from the current political and administrative arrangements.

He described the developments as a combination of infrastructure, human development and programmes with direct impact on ordinary residents.

Lapchine's declaration of support for Tinubu, Mutfwang and Yilwatda offers a glimpse into how local government leaders may seek to translate claims of development and political inclusion into electoral mobilisation ahead of 2027.

His position is that residents should assess the different levels of government based on their contributions to the area and use the forthcoming elections to express their appreciation or otherwise.

Whether the chairman’s pledge will translate into widespread voter support remains a matter for the electorate to determine. Nevertheless, his comments demonstrate how projects, appointments and government presence are increasingly being deployed as political arguments in the emerging contest for public confidence.

For Kanke, the challenge will be to ensure that the interventions highlighted by its chairman translate into sustainable development, improved living conditions and opportunities for the people beyond the electoral season.

As the political atmosphere gradually builds towards 2027, Golime is making his case clear: the development recorded in Kanke should form part of the conversation about leadership, performance and the choices before voters.

2027: NGAS COMMUNITY RALLIES BEHIND NENTAWE YILWATDA AS APC KICKS OFF PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN IN KADUNA

Over 2,000 Ngas indigenes showcase cultural heritage, celebrate APC National Chairman’s leadership, commend Kaduna’s hospitality

The successful flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 presidential campaign in Kaduna has become a defining moment of political mobilisation, cultural pride and solidarity for the Ngas people, who turned out in impressive numbers to celebrate their illustrious son and APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.

With more than 2,000 members of the Ngas community participating in a colourful cultural procession ahead of the campaign rally at the Kaduna Township Stadium on Saturday, October 24, 2026, the community demonstrated its growing visibility in Nigeria’s political landscape while reaffirming its pride in Professor Yilwatda’s leadership position within the ruling party.

The Ngas Development Association (NDA), Kaduna Branch, described the successful flag-off as evidence of effective political organisation, mass mobilisation and collective commitment. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Hon. Nentawe Gomiyar, the association congratulated the APC leadership and expressed pride in Professor Yilwatda, whose emergence as National Chairman has continued to inspire members of the Ngas community, particularly the younger generation.

For the association, the event represented more than a presidential campaign launch. It provided an opportunity for the Ngas people to demonstrate solidarity with one of their own at the centre of national politics, while projecting their cultural identity before a diverse audience of political leaders, party supporters and residents of Kaduna State.

The highlight of the community’s participation was a spectacular cultural procession that brought the rich traditions of Plateau State’s Ngas people to the streets of Kaduna. Led by the celebrated Ngas Sombi Troupe from Kanke Local Government Area, the procession featured traditional horn performances, the Minawan Ngas Cultural Dancers Kaduna, and vibrant performances by Ngas women’s choral groups.

Moving through major routes in Kaduna before arriving at the Township Stadium, the procession attracted considerable attention from residents, political supporters and other participating groups. The display projected a compelling message of unity, cultural preservation and peaceful coexistence, reinforcing the place of indigenous communities in Nigeria’s national life.

The NDA noted that the cultural exhibition went beyond entertainment, describing it as a demonstration of the Ngas people’s enduring identity, communal solidarity and contribution to the country’s cultural diversity. The association also commended the Kaduna media community for its extensive coverage of the procession, which helped bring the community’s cultural expression to a wider audience.

Beyond the political spectacle, the association praised Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, for his hospitality and leadership in hosting the national event. It equally commended the Local Organising Committee, led by Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, for its coordination, while acknowledging the efforts of the APC Presidential Campaign Council under its Director-General, Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari.

The people of Kaduna State also received commendation for their impressive turnout, peaceful conduct and warm reception of visitors from across the country. Particularly noteworthy, according to the association, was the reported decision by some residents to open their homes to accommodate visitors after hotels became fully occupied—a gesture it described as a powerful expression of generosity, hospitality and peaceful coexistence.

The community’s commendation of the campaign flag-off comes with renewed emphasis on national unity, peace and development. The association offered prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, expressing hope for sustained peace, progress and prosperity across Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Ngas Development Association is looking ahead to another major cultural engagement with the forthcoming Pusdung Festival 2026, scheduled for November 14, 2026. The association has invited political leaders, traditional rulers, cultural enthusiasts, media practitioners and members of the public to participate in the annual celebration.

According to the statement issued by the cultural planning committee, the festival will provide a platform to preserve and promote Ngas heritage, encourage cultural tourism, strengthen community bonds and foster peaceful relationships between the Ngas people, their host communities and other ethnic groups.

The twin emphasis on political participation and cultural preservation underscores the association’s commitment to ensuring that the Ngas community remains actively engaged in Nigeria’s democratic process while safeguarding the traditions that define its identity.

As the APC advances its 2027 presidential campaign, the Ngas community’s prominent participation in Kaduna has offered a striking display of cultural pride and political engagement, with Professor Nentawe Yilwatda serving as a focal point of the community’s celebration.

The association concluded by congratulating the APC leadership on the successful flag-off and expressing appreciation to the government and people of Kaduna State for their contributions to the event’s success.

PLATEAU BLEEDS AGAIN: SEVEN DEAD, VIGILANTES SLAUGHTERED, AND THE DISTURBING QUESTIONS OUR LEADERS MUST ANSWER

When the Last Line of Community Defence Is Destroyed, Who Will Protect the People?

(By Dr. Samaila A. A. Rukuba)

The bloodletting on the Plateau continues unabated. The latest attack on Dorowa Babuje in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, where the death toll has reportedly risen to seven following the killing of four vigilantes and the subsequent deaths of three others who sustained serious injuries, represents another devastating indictment of the security situation confronting our people.

These were not merely seven innocent lives lost. They were seven human beings whose deaths have devastated families and communities already exhausted by fear, uncertainty and repeated violence. The vigilantes were volunteers who had assumed the dangerous responsibility of protecting their neighbours when ordinary people could no longer sleep with both eyes closed.

When those who volunteer to defend their communities become the targets of deadly attacks, what hope remains for the defenceless residents they leave behind?

The disturbing reality is that the weekend's violence, including reports of attacks in Dorowa Babuje and Mangu, has reinforced a growing perception among vulnerable communities that they are increasingly being left to fend for themselves.

This is unacceptable.

A PATTERN THAT DEMANDS ANSWERS

The recurring attacks across vulnerable parts of Plateau State raise fundamental questions about intelligence gathering, rapid military response, operational coordination and the effectiveness of existing security arrangements.

At Dorowa Babuje, reports indicate that the attackers overwhelmed local vigilantes, killing four instantly and leaving several others with serious injuries. Three of the injured subsequently died.

The question is unavoidable: Where were the security reinforcements, and what mechanisms were in place to prevent the attackers from operating with such devastating consequences?

These questions are not accusations of established military complicity. They are legitimate demands for accountability from citizens whose lives and property are supposed to be protected by the state.

Similarly, disturbing allegations have emerged concerning events around Dutsenkura, particularly the Rafiki axis of Rukuba, where Major Chukwu, identified as the Sector 6 Commander, was allegedly accused of stopping a police clearance team. This allegation requires urgent, independent verification and a clear explanation from the relevant authorities.

Reports from survivors of attacks in Mangu have also raised concerns about the conduct and responsiveness of security personnel during incidents of violence.

These accounts must not be casually dismissed. They must be investigated objectively, and where misconduct or negligence is established, appropriate disciplinary and legal consequences must follow.

The military and other security agencies cannot afford a credibility deficit in communities where public confidence is already under severe strain.

SECTOR 3 AND OPERATION SAFE HAVEN MUST ANSWER THE CALL

The General Officer Commanding the relevant military formation and the Commander of Operation Safe Haven are hereby urged to conduct an urgent operational review, with particular attention to Sector 3 and other areas experiencing recurring attacks.

The review should establish whether there were intelligence failures, delayed responses, inadequate deployment, operational misunderstandings or breaches of established procedures.

If personnel performed their duties diligently, the findings should establish that fact. If there were failures, the public deserves to know what happened and what corrective measures will follow.

The objective is not to undermine the military. It is to ensure that the military's presence translates into tangible security for the people it is deployed to protect.

A security deployment that cannot reassure vulnerable communities must be reviewed until it delivers measurable results.

The people of Plateau State need protection, not explanations that arrive after the dead have been buried.

THE GOVERNOR CANNOT AFFORD TO LOOK DETACHED FROM THE TRAGEDY

Governor Caleb Mutfwang must recognise that the security of Plateau State cannot be reduced to political messaging, public appearances or campaign calculations.

Leadership is most severely tested when citizens are dying, communities are under threat and families are fleeing their ancestral homes.

The governor may not personally command military operations, but that does not absolve the state government of its responsibility to demand urgent federal intervention, coordinate legitimate community-protection initiatives, support victims and insist on accountability from every relevant authority.

The people deserve to see their governor at the forefront of efforts to secure their lives and restore their confidence.

As political campaigns intensify, the government must not allow the contest for power to overshadow the urgent business of protecting human life.

It would be deeply troubling if political activities received more visible urgency than the security crisis confronting ordinary citizens.

Our people cannot campaign, farm, trade, worship or raise their children in peace when they are perpetually afraid of the next attack.

THREATS MUST BE CONFRONTED BEFORE THEY BECOME TRAGEDIES

There are also concerns about reported threats attributed to individuals described by some commentators as Izala militants. Such allegations must be investigated promptly, and any person or group found to be issuing credible threats or preparing violent attacks must be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.

However, responsibility must be established through credible evidence. No religious community should be collectively blamed for the alleged conduct of individuals.

The constitutional duty of the authorities is clear: protect every Plateau resident, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, political affiliation or community of origin.

Credible threats should never be ignored until innocent people are killed. Intelligence must lead to preventive action, not merely become part of the official narrative after an attack.

The lives that could have been saved are the most compelling reason for decisive action.

PLATEAU PEOPLE ARE TIRED OF BURYING THEIR LOVED ONES

There is a limit to the grief any community can endure without demanding answers.

From Barkin Ladi to Mangu, and across other vulnerable parts of Plateau State, residents deserve to know that their lives matter and that their security is not negotiable.

The killing of community vigilantes should be a wake-up call to every level of government and every security formation operating in the state.

These volunteers are not substitutes for professional security forces. They are citizens who, often at considerable personal risk, attempt to provide a measure of protection for their neighbours. Their deaths should provoke an immediate reassessment of the security arrangements surrounding vulnerable communities.

The authorities must strengthen early-warning systems, improve intelligence sharing, establish effective rapid-response mechanisms, protect threatened communities and ensure that perpetrators are identified and prosecuted.

Above all, the government must reject the dangerous normalisation of mass killings.

Seven deaths must not become another statistic. Another community must not become another headline. Another grieving family must not be left wondering why help never arrived.

OUR QUESTIONS REQUIRE ANSWERS, NOT POLITICAL DEFENSIVENESS

The people of Plateau State are entitled to ask:

- What intelligence was available before the Dorowa Babuje attack, and how was it acted upon?

- Why were local vigilantes exposed to such a devastating assault, and what protection can be provided to other vulnerable communities?

- What is the truth behind the allegations concerning the police clearance operation around the Rafiki axis of Rukuba?

- Have the reports of delayed or inadequate responses during attacks in Mangu been independently investigated?

- What concrete operational changes will the military leadership and Operation Safe Haven implement to prevent further killings?

- What measures has the Plateau State Government taken to ensure that credible threats are investigated before they result in bloodshed?

These are not partisan questions. They are questions of life, death, constitutional responsibility and public accountability.

The answers must be factual, transparent and followed by measurable action.

 CONCLUSION: SORRY, PLATEAU 

BUT OUR PEOPLE DESERVE MORE THAN SYMPATHY* 

Plateau State cannot continue on a path where citizens are killed, families mourn, communities flee and official statements follow, only for the cycle to begin again.

Sympathy is necessary, but sympathy without prevention is insufficient. Condemnation is welcome, but condemnation without investigation and prosecution is inadequate. Security deployments are important, but their success must be measured by their ability to protect human lives.

The Governor must rise above political distractions. The security leadership must confront uncomfortable operational questions. The relevant authorities must investigate every credible allegation of negligence or misconduct. And the perpetrators of these attacks must face the full consequences of the law.

Our people are tired. They are tired of burying their loved ones. Tired of living in fear. Tired of wondering whether anyone will arrive when their communities come under attack.

Plateau is not asking for a favour. Plateau is demanding its fundamental right to life and security.

To the bereaved families of Dorowa Babuje,  PDP  extends our deepest condolences. To the injured and displaced, we wish healing and protection. To the vigilantes who died attempting to defend their neighbours, their sacrifice must not be forgotten.

And to those entrusted with protecting Plateau State, the message is unmistakable:

 *YOUR EXCELLENCY, SIR,* THE PEOPLE ARE WATCHING. THE COMMUNITIES ARE BLEEDING. THE QUESTIONS ARE BECOMING LOUDER. THE TIME FOR EFFECTIVE ACTION IS NOW. *_CAN WE FOR ONE UNDERSTAND THE MINDSET OF MUTFWANG?_* 

Dr. Samaila A. A. Rukuba 

State Publicity Secretary, PDP Plateau State

Director, Media Strategy & Publicity

KEFIANO'S TSUNAMI RAVAGES GREEN CAP MOVEMENT, GOV. MUTFWANG WAILS AND RAISES FALSE ALARM OF IMPOSITION USING STOOGEES

Despite deploying every despotic tactic in his arsenal to stifle the Plateau First Movement of Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik, popularly known as Kefiano, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has failed woefully. In his latest desperation, the Governor has resorted to sponsoring a faceless, confused and chicken-hearted group of stooges who parade themselves as Plateau Progressive Ambassadors, PPA, to raise a false alarm that external forces and unnamed Plateau elders are plotting to impose Kefiano as governor in 2027.

What has become a trademark of Governor Mutfwang is that at the slightest sign of failure, he discombobulates, and once he sees the handwriting of defeat on the wall, he relegates his position and plays second fiddle. It was the same administration that once dismissed the APC as a robust opposition, even while it was the ruling party at the centre. The sponsorship of the faceless PPA to divert public attention was nothing but a paralysing punch that shattered his political anatomy, following the crushing defeat he suffered yesterday at the Appellate Court in the hands of sacked workers. That defeat remains his Mene Mene Tekel Upharsin, knowing fully well that he will soon face the wrath of those workers, their families, friends and well-wishers at the polls.

It is indeed comic that the same government that recently engaged crack journalists to claim that Kefiano's fate hangs in the balance has now made a volte-face to accept that he is the authentic PDP governorship candidate who is about to be imposed. Governor Mutfwang is clearly confused. He stopped Kefiano from pasting posters in the state capital, yet the Kefiano acceptance tsunami rages on across Plateau. He sponsored falsehood that Kefiano will not be on the ballot, but the movement burns more fiercely than ever, and now the new lie is imposition. One is forced to ask, what next Mr. Governor?

How can a man who claims to be a performer and an achiever be scared of imposition? Who is more powerful than a true achiever? Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State won his second term despite the gang-up by APC governors and federal might because he performed. Former Governor Nyesom Wike boasts of delivering the FCT because of his performance as Minister. Why then is this Plateau achiever who claims to be working and uniting Plateau crying wolf that the same elders he claimed to have united are plotting against him? Is he admitting that Plateau elders hate achievers? Who are these elders? The PPA has only succeeded in exposing that all claims of sound leadership and unity by Mutfwang are a mere hoax. If he cannot secure Plateau with N23.69 billion in six months, money enough to recover grabbed lands and resettle IDPs to their ancestral homes, then he is totally incapacitated.

It is laughable to claim that Mutfwang is uniting Plateau when he cannot even unite his own party. He has fractioned and fractured the APC in the worst order. The state Chairman, Rufus Bature, is a mere figurehead, while the secretary and other members of the legacy group have been reduced to onlookers. He favoured his Green Cap Movement over the legacy group even in presidential campaign flag-offs in Nasarawa and Kaduna. The APC is on the brink of total explosion in the hands of a polariser. The PPA itself knows it is lying, which is why it cannot mention the name of its chairman or secretary. As the scripture says, the righteous are as bold as a lion. If they are truthful, let them unveil themselves. Who will harm them when they have government on their side? 

Signed:

Kefiano Media Team

23rd October, 2026

Uproar at FULAFIA Over Promotion, Appointment of Staff on Secondment as Deputy Director of CAND

By Our Correspondent, Abuja

Tension is mounting at the Federal University of Lafia (FULAFIA) over the alleged promotion and appointment of a staff member said to be on secondment to the Nasarawa State Government as Deputy Director of the Centre for Autism and Neurodegenerative Disorders (CAND).

The controversy follows the recent establishment of six CAND centres in selected universities, including FULAFIA, by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.

The centres, which are expected to attract huge funding, have raised expectations among staff. However, some staff members allege that the leadership of the FULAFIA centre has been hijacked.

According to a Special Bulletin published by the university on October 18, 2026, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mohammed Ishaq Kida, approved the appointment of several academic and administrative officers. They include Prof. Nasirudeen M. Baba as Director, Centre for Security Studies; Prof. Sunday Abraham Musa as Director, CAND; and Dr. Andrew Yakubu as Deputy Director, CAND.

The appointment of Dr. Yakubu has, however, sparked outrage, as he is reportedly yet to resume from his secondment.

Sources in the university said extant regulations prohibit a staff member on secondment from being considered for promotion or appointment to an administrative position until he formally disengages from the secondment and returns to the university.

A member of staff who spoke on condition of anonymity alleged that the Dean, Faculty of Education, misled management by claiming that Dr. Yakubu had disengaged from the state government.

The source claimed that a similar move was made last year to secure promotion for the same staff while he was still on secondment.

Narrating the sequence of events, another source said Dr. Yakubu had in early September 2026 rejected final year students assigned to him for project supervision, insisting that he was still on secondment and that his secondment would mature in February 2027. The students were subsequently re-assigned to other lecturers.

The source further alleged that in October 2025, the staff claimed to have resumed from secondment to secure promotion, while still retaining his political appointment with the state government.

A source in the Human Resources Unit of the Establishment Directorate alleged that funds exchanged hands before the said promotion was effected, nearly two months after other qualified staff were promoted in 2025.

It was further gathered that while the appointment was announced on October 18, 2026, management issued a letter on Monday, October 19, 2026, requesting Dr. Yakubu to provide evidence of disengagement from the Nasarawa State Government.

Some staff have called for an independent verification of his salary earnings from both the university and the state government.

When contacted, a staff member who declined to be named for fear of victimisation accused the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), FULAFIA branch, of keeping silent over the matter.

According to him, many lecturers are afraid to petition the union, which they described as a lame duck and an appendage of management.

Efforts to get official reactions from the university management and the ASUU branch chairman were unsuccessful as of press time.

Meanwhile, concerned staff have appealed to the Minister of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Governing Council of the university to intervene and reverse the appointment to prevent a precedent where staff on political appointments continue to enjoy promotion and administrative positions while on secondment.

They warned that such a trend would demoralise dedicated staff and affect students.

2027: ADC RAISES POLITICAL STAKES IN PLATEAU, SETS OCTOBER 19 FOR DEPUTY GOVERNORSHIP UNVEILING

(By Walbe Ogak)

Sura’s ‘New Beginning’ campaign gathers momentum as party prepares statewide mobilisation

The political landscape in Plateau State is gradually taking shape ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) stepping up preparations to position itself as a formidable contender in the race for political power.

At the centre of the party’s emerging strategy is its governorship candidate, Brigadier General John Sunday Sura (Rtd.), who is leading efforts to build a coordinated campaign structure anchored on grassroots engagement, political experience, youth participation and an inclusive vision for the state.

In a significant move towards consolidating its political machinery, the ADC has scheduled Monday, October 19, 2026, for the official unveiling of its deputy governorship nominee, Hon. Mrs. Chundung Bitrus Pwajok Kele, at Zumji Event Centre along Bukuru Expressway, Jos.

The ceremony, scheduled for 12 noon, is expected to bring together party faithful, supporters, stakeholders and political figures from across Plateau State’s 17 local government areas, marking another milestone in the party’s preparations for the 2027 electoral contest.

A STRATEGIC STEP TOWARDS 2027

Beyond the ceremonial unveiling, the event represents an important phase in the ADC’s efforts to establish a more visible and coordinated political presence across Plateau State.

The selection of a deputy governorship nominee is a key component of the party’s ticket-building process, as it seeks to present a leadership team capable of communicating its political vision and engaging voters across the state.

For the ADC, the October 19 event is expected to provide an opportunity to rally supporters, strengthen internal cohesion and signal its readiness for the demanding political activities that lie ahead.

The party has also announced plans to inaugurate its campaign directorates within the same week. The move is intended to activate the various campaign structures and establish a coordinated framework for mobilisation, communication and engagement across the state.

These preparations suggest that the party is seeking to move beyond political declarations towards building the organisational capacity required for a statewide campaign.

GRASSROOTS MOBILISATION TAKES CENTRE STAGE

As part of its planned activities, the ADC has scheduled a Keke Napep rally within the Jos–Bukuru metropolitan area on the morning of October 19, ahead of the main unveiling ceremony.

The choice of a street-level mobilisation activity reflects the party’s stated intention to connect with citizens beyond formal political gatherings and bring its message directly to the public.

For a party seeking to expand its electoral appeal, grassroots mobilisation, effective communication and sustained engagement with voters will be essential components of its campaign strategy.

The ADC says it is putting structures in place to coordinate activities across Plateau State’s 17 local government areas, with the objective of presenting its vision, engaging citizens and communicating its proposals for the state’s future.

However, the effectiveness of these structures will ultimately depend on their ability to translate organisational preparations into meaningful contact with voters and a clearly articulated policy agenda.

YOUTHFUL ENERGY, POLITICAL EXPERIENCE

One of the central arguments in the ADC’s emerging campaign narrative is the combination of youthful energy and the experience of former political officeholders and appointees.

According to the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Silas Audu Wettok, the campaign team brings together young and energetic men and women alongside individuals with experience in public office.

The party believes this combination can strengthen its organisational capacity, improve political coordination and support a campaign focused on the aspirations of Plateau citizens.

Yet, as the 2027 contest approaches, the challenge before the ADC will be to demonstrate how this blend of experience and youthful participation can translate into practical solutions to the issues confronting the state.

Voters will be looking for more than campaign structures and political alliances. Questions of security, economic opportunity, infrastructure, education, healthcare, employment and social cohesion are likely to remain central to the electoral debate.

The party’s ability to address these concerns with specific proposals could prove important in determining how effectively its message resonates with the electorate.

THE POLITICS OF A ‘NEW BEGINNING’

The ADC has anchored its political message on the declaration: “NEW BEGINNING. ONE TRIBE, ONE PEOPLE, ONE PLATEAU.”

The slogan places unity, inclusion and collective progress at the centre of the party’s stated vision.

In a state characterised by diverse ethnic, religious and political communities, the language of unity carries significant political weight. Whether it becomes a defining feature of the ADC’s campaign will depend on how consistently the party demonstrates those principles through its candidates, policies and engagement with communities.

The party says its proposed approach is people-oriented and designed to encourage broad participation in determining the future of Plateau State.

For Brigadier General John Sunday Sura (Rtd.) and his running mate, the task will be to give the slogan substance by presenting a credible development agenda that speaks to the concerns and expectations of citizens across the state.

The ADC has expressed optimism about what it describes as its growing reception in Plateau State. That claim, however, will be tested as political activities intensify and competing parties begin to consolidate their own structures and electoral strategies.

THE ROAD AHEAD

With the deputy governorship unveiling scheduled for October 19 and campaign directorates expected to be inaugurated within the same week, the ADC is moving towards a more structured phase of its preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The immediate priority will be to consolidate its organisation, mobilise supporters, communicate its policy positions and establish a presence across the state’s political constituencies.

The party’s performance in these areas will help determine whether its proposed new beginning can evolve from a campaign slogan into a compelling electoral proposition.

For now, the ADC is signalling its readiness to participate actively in the unfolding political contest under the leadership of Brigadier General John Sunday Sura (Rtd.), with Hon. Mrs. Chundung Bitrus Pwajok Kele as its deputy governorship nominee.

As the countdown to 2027 continues, the party’s message is clear: it wants unity, inclusion and collective progress to define its political appeal.

Whether Plateau voters will embrace that message will ultimately be decided by the credibility of the party’s candidates, the strength of its organisation and the substance of its promises.

The campaign is taking shape. The political contest is approaching. And the ADC’s “New Beginning” is preparing to face the electorate.

PLATEAU 2027: THE RAINBOW COALITION AND THE POLITICS OF FEAR — WHY KEFFIANO’S NAME IS CAUSING POLITICAL UNEASE

(By Dr. Samaila Achigak A. Rukuba)

State Publicity Secretary, PDP Plateau State

The emerging political realignments ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Plateau State appear to have unsettled some political interests, judging by the growing speculation surrounding the purported appointment of Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik, popularly known as Keffiano, as Deputy Campaign Director-General of the Mutfwang/Piyo 2027 Campaign Council.

In response to Comrade Thomas Aboki’s publication on the alleged appointment, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State considers it necessary to separate political facts from speculation and expose the deeper questions surrounding the state’s evolving political landscape.

The fundamental issue is not whether political actors can realign ahead of an election. In a democracy, alliances are neither permanent nor forbidden. The real question is whether such alliances are built on principles, public interest and a credible vision for Plateau State, or merely on the calculations of political survival.

For the PDP, the Rainbow Coalition represents a broader conversation about reconciliation, political inclusion, equity and the restoration of democratic values. It speaks to citizens who believe that no individual or group should be permanently excluded from leadership opportunities because of religion, identity, political affiliation or the calculations of entrenched interests.

But let nobody mistake the Rainbow Coalition for a political shelter for opportunists. Its relevance must be measured by the principles it upholds, the quality of leadership it produces and its capacity to address the urgent challenges confronting Plateau State.

THE KEFFIANO QUESTION: WHY THE SPECULATION?

The reported appointment of Keffiano to the Mutfwang/Piyo campaign structure raises a legitimate question: what is the factual basis for the claim, and who benefits from circulating it?

Until the purported appointment is substantiated by the relevant parties, it remains a political claim, not an established fact. Responsible political discourse demands evidence, not manufactured certainty.

Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik is the PDP's governorship candidate for the 2027 election. His political relevance should therefore be assessed through his convictions, public engagements, policy direction and capacity to offer Plateau an alternative, not through speculative appointments or personal attacks.

It is particularly troubling when political commentary substitutes innuendo for evidence and ridicule for reasoned argument. Disagreement is a legitimate feature of democracy; attempts to diminish political opponents through personal attacks are not a substitute for credible political engagement.

Plateau deserves a higher standard of political conversation.

THE RAINBOW COALITION: A THREAT TO OLD POLITICAL CALCULATIONS?

The Rainbow Coalition may yet emerge as a defining feature of Plateau's 2027 political contest. Its eventual direction, however, will depend on the convictions of its participants, the interests it represents and the leadership choices it makes.

Political history offers sufficient evidence that alliances can reshape electoral outcomes. The political relationships surrounding the 2023 governorship election, including the wider political dynamics associated with Nyesom Wike's camp and Governor Caleb Mutfwang's emergence, remain part of Plateau's recent political history.

Those developments demonstrate that political alignments can evolve in unexpected ways. The possibility of new arrangements ahead of 2027 should therefore not be dismissed merely because they challenge existing expectations.

Yet the Rainbow Coalition must not become an exercise in recycling political power under a different name. Its promise lies in its ability to build a credible alternative grounded in fairness, competence, accountability and measurable public benefit.

The coalition's ultimate test will not be the number of political figures it attracts, the volume of its declarations or the anxiety it generates among rival camps. It will be whether it can inspire public confidence and offer a practical response to the challenges confronting Plateau.

PLATEAU'S REAL CRISIS IS NOT CAMPAIGN APPOINTMENTS — IT IS INSECURITY

While political commentators trade allegations over campaign positions, families across Plateau continue to demand answers to questions far more consequential than who occupies which position in a campaign council.

Citizens want to know when communities threatened by violence will enjoy lasting security. They want to know how displaced families will rebuild their lives, how farmers will return safely to their fields, how destroyed livelihoods will be restored and how confidence in public institutions will be rebuilt.

These are not abstract political talking points. They are fundamental questions of governance, public safety and human dignity.

Any administration seeking another mandate must be prepared to defend its record against these realities. Political communication cannot permanently substitute for tangible results, just as slogans cannot erase the experiences of citizens whose lives have been disrupted by insecurity and economic hardship.

The PDP maintains that Plateau needs leadership capable of protecting lives, restoring peace, promoting justice, rebuilding affected communities and revitalising the economy.

That is the standard against which every contender and every political platform must be judged.

KEFFIANO AND THE CASE FOR A DIFFERENT DIRECTION

As the PDP's governorship candidate for 2027, Chief Keffas Wungak Ropshik has an obligation to present a clear and credible alternative to the people of Plateau State.

That alternative must go beyond criticism of the incumbent administration. It must articulate practical measures for improving security, expanding economic opportunities, strengthening public institutions, promoting inclusion and restoring confidence in governance.

Keffiano's candidacy should therefore be debated on the strength of his programme, his understanding of Plateau's challenges, his proposed solutions and his capacity to translate promises into results.

The PDP believes that the people deserve a genuine choice in 2027. But that choice must be informed by evidence, public debate and a careful assessment of competing visions for the state's future.

No candidate should be declared credible merely because his opponents are unpopular. Equally, no candidate should be dismissed through political propaganda without a fair examination of his proposals and convictions.

Democracy is strengthened when arguments confront arguments and policies are tested against facts.

FROM THE POLITICS OF INSULTS TO THE POLITICS OF ACCOUNTABILITY

The tendency to turn political disagreement into personal warfare is dangerous to democratic culture. It discourages meaningful debate, deepens divisions and shifts public attention away from the issues that matter most.

Comrade Thomas Aboki and other political commentators are entitled to their opinions. However, public commentary carries a responsibility to distinguish verifiable information from conjecture and legitimate criticism from personal denigration.

The same principle applies to every political camp. Nobody should be silenced for expressing a contrary opinion, and nobody should be insulated from scrutiny merely because of political affiliation.

The lessons of the 2023 election should encourage political actors to examine the consequences of their strategies, not simply repeat them against new opponents. Plateau requires political maturity, not an endless cycle of accusations, counter-accusations and attempts to discredit competing voices.

The question is not who can produce the loudest propaganda. It is who can make the strongest case for the future of Plateau State.

2027: PLATEAU MUST COME BEFORE PERSONAL AMBITION

The 2027 governorship election must be about the future of Plateau, not the private ambitions of political personalities.

The Rainbow Coalition, if it is to command public confidence, must demonstrate that it represents more than a temporary convergence of interests. It must show that its participants can agree on a credible development agenda, respect democratic principles and put the welfare of citizens above individual calculations.

The people of Plateau deserve a leadership that understands the urgency of security, the importance of economic recovery, the necessity of justice and the value of inclusive governance.

They also deserve a political process in which candidates are judged by their competence, integrity, performance and vision, rather than by the volume of attacks directed at them.

For the PDP and its candidate, the task ahead is clear: present a compelling programme, engage citizens on the issues and earn the mandate through democratic persuasion.

The final verdict belongs to the electorate.

Plateau's political future will not be determined by rumours about campaign appointments or by the desperation of rival political camps. It will be determined by the choices citizens make when they weigh the competing records, promises and visions before them.

The Rainbow Coalition may become a significant force in that contest. Whether it succeeds will depend on the principles it defends, the leadership it offers and the future it can credibly promise.

May wisdom prevail, and may Plateau State emerge stronger, safer and more united.

Dr. Samaila Achigak A. Rukuba

State Publicity Secretary (SPS)

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Plateau State