3 YEARS VS 7 YEARS: MUTFWANG HAS EARNED HIS PLACE AT THE ELDERS’ TABLE” – WAPLANG

(By WALBE OGAK)

The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee of the Plateau Central Zone for Mutfwang 2027, Peter Waplang, has dismissed attempts to compare Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s performance with that of governors of Nasarawa and Bauchi states, saying it is unfair to measure 3 years of work against 7 years of administration.

Waplang, in a statement on Monday, described such comparisons as “politically misleading” and a sign that the Mutfwang administration has made a strong impression in a short time.

Reacting to claims that neighbouring governors have performed better, he said the assessment misses the point.

 Comparing Governor Mutfwang with governors who have spent seven years in office is, in itself, an acknowledgment that he has started well,” Waplang stated.

According to him, within just three years, the Mutfwang government has recorded significant progress in infrastructure development, public service delivery, and strategic interventions across Plateau State.

Citing an African proverb, Waplang said Governor Mutfwang’s work has earned him recognition beyond his years in office.

_“When a child washes his hands clean, he will dine with the elders.”_  

That is exactly what is happening. The governor’s pace and quality of delivery have placed Plateau on the same table with administrations that have been in office twice as long.

He stressed that leadership should be judged not by the number of years, but by the impact, speed and effectiveness of projects.

“The reward for hard work is more work, and the confidence of the people is earned through performance,” he added.

Waplang maintained that the achievements of the last three years provide a strong foundation for sustained development and confirm that Plateau State is on the path of purposeful and transformational governance.

He said the growing confidence of citizens in the Mutfwang administration is proof that the government is delivering on its promise to rebuild Plateau.

Mutfwang 2027: Plateau Central Like Minds Unveils 5 LG Coordinators to Drive Grassroots Campaign

(By WALBE OGAK)

A political support group in Plateau Central Senatorial Zone, *Plateau Central Zone Like Minds for Caleb Mutfwang 2027*, has inaugurated coordinators across the five local government areas in the zone ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The appointments, Chairman central planning committee Peter Waplang said, are aimed at strengthening grassroots mobilisation and consolidating support for the second-term ambition of Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

In a statement released in Jos, the group listed the newly appointed Local Government Coordinators as:

1. *Hon. Solomon Duku* – Bokkos Local Government Area 

2. *Philemon Majam* – Kanke Local Government Area 

3. *Enoch Sekyen Bakyil* – Pankshin Local Government Area 

4. *Andrew Sokyes Samuel* – Mangu Local Government Area 

5. *Mallam Chindo Dunu* – Kanam Local Government Area 

According to Chairman central planning committee Peter Waplang the coordinators were carefully selected based on their track record, grassroots influence, and commitment to the ideals of the Mutfwang administration.

“The mandate of these coordinators is to deepen mobilisation, sensitise our people on the achievements of Governor Mutfwang, and ensure that the dividends of democracy get to every community in Plateau Central,” a statement from the group read.

The group added that the structure would serve as the engine room for voter education, issue-based campaigns, and community engagement ahead of 2027.

Political observers note that the emergence of support groups this early signals that the 2027 contest in Plateau is already gathering momentum, with Governor Mutfwang’s administration expected to campaign on the basis of peace-building, infrastructure, and good governance.

Members of the _Like Minds_ group maintain that Plateau Central remains firmly behind the governor, citing what they described as “visible projects and inclusive governance” across the zone since 2023.

They expressed confidence that with a united front at the grassroots, the APC and Governor Mutfwang will secure another landslide victory in the zone in 2027.

The coordinators are expected to immediately commence consultations with traditional rulers, youth groups, women organisations, and other stakeholders in their respective LGAs.

The group further pledged to remain non-violent and issue-focused in its mobilisation drive, saying the goal is to “sustain peace and deliver development” to the people of Plateau Central.

Rume’s Legacy continues to resonates as University of Jos Students Honour Him with Award of Excellence

 (By WALBE OGAK)

In a development that reinforces his growing grassroots appeal and long-standing investment in education, Bldr. Raphael Rume has been honoured with an Award of Excellence by the Pankshin North Constituency Students Association (PANCSA), University of Jos, in recognition of his unwavering commitment to community development, consistent support for student initiatives, and dedication to expanding educational opportunities for young people in Pankshin North Constituency and beyond.

The award was presented during the association’s 2026 Cultural Day celebration held on Saturday, 8 August 2026, at the Malam Adamu Lecture Theatre, University of Jos, where students, alumni, community stakeholders, and invited guests gathered to celebrate the cultural heritage of Pankshin North and honour individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the constituency’s development.

For many political observers, the recognition is more than a ceremonial honour. It reflects the increasing resonance of Rume’s educational interventions among young people, particularly students who have benefited directly or indirectly from his scholarship support, educational assistance programmes, and youth-focused empowerment initiatives. The award places education at the centre of his public service profile and highlights a reputation built around investing in human capital rather than short-term political patronage.

PANCSA said the award was conferred in appreciation of Rume’s sustained commitment to educational advancement and his consistent engagement with students across the constituency. The association noted that his contributions have inspired many young people to pursue academic excellence while fostering a culture of community responsibility and leadership.

Receiving the award, Bldr. Raphael Rume expressed gratitude to the students for the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to expanding access to education and creating opportunities for the next generation. He urged students to remain focused on their academic pursuits, embrace integrity and discipline, and prepare themselves for leadership and service.

The honour adds another layer to Rume’s public profile at a time when education, youth empowerment, and grassroots development are becoming increasingly influential factors in Plateau State’s political landscape. As political realignments continue across the state, recognition from a constituency-based student body signals the importance of youth engagement and educational impact in shaping future political narratives.

For supporters, the award is a validation of years of community-oriented interventions. For analysts, it is a reminder that educational investment remains one of the most enduring forms of political capital in Plateau politics, where credibility is often measured by visible impact on the lives of ordinary people.

Why APC may lose Pankshin North and Kanam (Kantana) State House of Assembly constituencies

(By WALBE OGAK)

The internal dynamics within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State could pose a significant challenge to the party’s electoral fortunes in some State House of Assembly constituencies, particularly Pankshin North and Kanam (Kantana).

Political observers have pointed to the growing strain in the alliance between the Blue Cap Legacy Group and the Green Cap Mutfwang movement. What was widely viewed as a marriage of political convenience appears to be under pressure, with disagreements over candidate selection and political influence reportedly creating divisions among party stakeholders.

Although the leadership of the coalition, including APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and Governor Caleb Mutfwang, is said to be focused on mobilising support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s and Mutfwang re-election, tensions at the grassroots level could affect the party’s performance in the area of legislative contests.

In Kanam (Kantana), the controversy surrounding the replacement of Dayyabu Garga has generated considerable political debate. Garga is widely regarded by his supporters as a long-standing APC figure with a strong grassroots network. His temporary departure from the party and subsequent return at the governor’s appeal had strengthened perceptions of his political relevance. The decision to replace him, critics argue, could alienate sections of the party’s support base if not properly managed.

In Pankshin North, concerns have also been raised over the emergence of a candidate some party members consider unpopular.- a person that list election twice cannot defeat a person that won from the opposition party. Opponents of the process have questioned the manner in which the candidate emerged, and the growing popularity of Rt. Hon. Dewan is seen by some analysts as a serious challenge to APC’s electoral prospects.

Historically, Pankshin North has been one of the more competitive constituencies in Plateau politics, with the PDP maintaining a strong presence. If internal grievances within the APC remain unresolved, smaller opposition parties such as the YPP could potentially benefit from divisions within the ruling party.

Ultimately, the APC’s chances in both constituencies may depend less on the opposition’s strength and more on its ability to reconcile internal factions, rebuild confidence among party loyalists, and present candidates capable of unifying the grassroots ahead of the elections, which is considered an uphil task.

PLATEAU CENTRAL LIKE MINDS FOR CALEB MUTFWANG 2027 INAUGURATES OFFICIALS, UNVEILS MOBILISATION STRUCTURE

(By WALBE OGAK)

A political support group under the platform of Plateau State Central Zone Like Minds for Caleb Mutfwang 2027 has inaugurated its leadership and organisational structure to mobilise support for the re-election of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang in the 2027 governorship election.

The group says it will also create awareness about the achievements of the Mutfwang administration, encourage meaningful evaluation and assessment of government policies and programmes, and deepen public engagement across the Central Zone through periodic publications, press statements, and community-based mobilisation.

At the inauguration ceremony, the group announced its principal officials, with Martin Dakur, FCNA named as Leader, Peter Waplang as Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, and Godwin Biliwer as Secretary.

The leadership said the initiative is designed to strengthen grassroots participation and consolidate support for Governor Mutfwang through a coordinated political and civic engagement framework.

According to the organisers, the group will focus on promoting public awareness of the administration’s achievements while creating a platform for constructive feedback and critical assessment of government performance.

To ensure effective mobilisation across the Central Zone, the group unveiled a multi-tier organisational structure comprising the Central Planning Committee, Local Government Coordinators, Ward Level Coordinators, and a defined Leadership framework.

The officials expressed confidence that the structure would enhance coordination, improve communication with communities, and expand citizen engagement ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.

The Plateau State Central Zone Like Minds for Caleb Mutfwang 2027 says it will immediately commence stakeholder engagements, community outreach, and public communication activities aimed at strengthening support for Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s re-election bid.

END

PLATEAU CENTRAL ZONE LIKE MINDS FOR CALEB MUTFWANG 2027.INAUGURATES OFFICIALS, UNVEILS MOBILISATION STRUCTURE

(By WALBE OGAK)

A political support group under the platform of Plateau State Central Zone Like Minds for Caleb Mutfwang 2027 has inaugurated its leadership and organisational structure to mobilise support for the re-election of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang in the 2027 governorship election.

The group says it will also create awareness about the achievements of the Mutfwang administration, encourage meaningful evaluation and assessment of government policies and programmes, and deepen public engagement across the Central Zone through periodic publications, press statements, and community-based mobilisation.

At the inauguration ceremony, the group announced its principal officials, with Martin Dakur, FCNA named as Leader, Peter Waplang as Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, and Godwin Biliwer as Secretary.

The leadership said the initiative is designed to strengthen grassroots participation and consolidate support for Governor Mutfwang through a coordinated political and civic engagement framework.

According to the organisers, the group will focus on promoting public awareness of the administration’s achievements while creating a platform for constructive feedback and critical assessment of government performance.

To ensure effective mobilisation across the Central Zone, the group unveiled a multi-tier organisational structure comprising the Central Planning Committee, Local Government Coordinators, Ward Level Coordinators, and a defined Leadership framework.

The officials expressed confidence that the structure would enhance coordination, improve communication with communities, and expand citizen engagement ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.

The Plateau State Central Zone Like Minds for Caleb Mutfwang 2027 says it will immediately commence stakeholder engagements, community outreach, and public communication activities aimed at strengthening support for Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s re-election bid.

PALANG KASMI INITIATIVE ADVOCATES GREATER ROLE FOR WOMEN IN PEACEBUILDING

By Walbe Ogak

As part of activities commemorating the 2026 World Population Day, the Palang Kssmi Initiative has called for increased recognition and active participation of women in peacebuilding efforts, describing them as indispensable agents of conflict resolution and sustainable development.

The call was made during an online Peace Dialogue Series held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, via Google Meet. The dialogue, themed "The Role of Women in Peacebuilding: Sharing Personal Experiences," brought together women leaders, journalists, civil society actors and other stakeholders to deliberate on practical ways of strengthening peace through women's participation.

The event featured two distinguished speakers: Mrs. Grace Frank Ojobo, Country Chair of Trefoil Guild Nigeria, and Hajiya Amina Ahmed, Founder and Executive Director of the Women Initiative for Sustainable Community Development (WISCOD).

Drawing from their personal and professional experiences, the speakers highlighted the significant contributions women have continued to make in promoting peace within families, communities and society at large. They stressed that women often serve as mediators, caregivers and advocates for dialogue, making their inclusion in peace processes not only desirable but essential.

According to the speakers, meaningful and lasting peace can only be achieved when women are deliberately involved in decision-making, conflict prevention, reconciliation and post-conflict recovery. They urged governments, traditional institutions, religious organisations and development partners to create more opportunities for women to contribute to peacebuilding initiatives at all levels.

The virtual dialogue attracted more than twenty participants, including the Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, Comrade Ayuku Pwaspo, the Vice Chairman, the Council Secretary and other notable journalists, who actively participated in the discussions.

Participants shared experiences from their respective communities and offered recommendations on strengthening collaboration among women, the media, civil society organisations and policymakers to address the root causes of conflict and foster peaceful coexistence.

Speaking at the end of the programme, the Convener of the Palang Kssmi Initiative expressed appreciation to all participants for their valuable contributions. She noted that the dialogue series is part of the organisation's ongoing commitment to promoting peace, social cohesion and inclusive development.

She assured participants that the initiative would continue to provide platforms for constructive engagement and dialogue until lasting peace is achieved in communities across Nigeria.

The event underscored the growing consensus that women are not merely victims of conflict but powerful actors whose voices, experiences and leadership are vital to building a peaceful and resilient society.