(By Walbe Ogak)
As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of
the 2027 general elections, Plateau State's evolving political landscape
continues to attract widespread attention.
Speaking at the commissioning of a school hall and Primary
Health Care Centre donated by a politician and philanthropist in Gangare, Jos
North Local Government Area, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang explained that
one of the key reasons for his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC)
was to reduce the political tension that often accompanied elections in the
state and to foster unity among the people of Plateau.
Similarly, the National Chairman of the APC, Professor
Nentawe Yilwatda, has on several occasions publicly expressed support for
Governor Mutfwang, describing him as the party's governorship candidate for the
2027 election.
Before the APC primaries, reports circulated on social media
alleging that, to facilitate the integration of Governor Mutfwang's supporters
into the APC while preserving harmony with the party's legacy members, a
political understanding based on a 60–40 sharing arrangement had been reached.
Although this has never been officially confirmed by the party, neither has it
been publicly denied by the principal actors.
The outcome of the primaries led many political observers to
conclude that the allocation of elective positions reflected this reported
understanding, with some constituencies favouring Governor Mutfwang's political
bloc and others accommodating the legacy APC structure.
If that political arrangement indeed exists, aspirants from
the legacy APC seeking nominations in areas perceived to have been ceded to
Governor Mutfwang's camp may face significant political hurdles. While every
qualified citizen has the constitutional right to contest for public office,
politics is often shaped by negotiations, alliances and strategic compromises.
Beyond the issue of political arrangements, supporters of
both Governor Mutfwang and Professor Nentawe must appreciate that the success
of one strengthens the other. Those who support Professor Nentawe should ask
themselves how they expect him to succeed as the National Chairman of the APC
while remaining in constant political conflict with Governor Mutfwang's
loyalists. In the same vein, supporters of Governor Mutfwang should consider
how they expect the Governor to consolidate his political position if they
continually engage the National Chairman and his supporters in unnecessary
political battles.
If both leaders have chosen the path of cooperation in the
interest of Plateau State and the APC, their supporters should emulate that
example. The responsibility before both camps is to bury past differences,
avoid inflammatory rhetoric and support the political decisions of their
principals. Internal divisions only weaken the party and create opportunities
for political opponents.
Many supporters believe that the political partnership
between Governor Mutfwang and Professor Nentawe represents an opportunity to
build a more united and stable Plateau State. Respecting the spirit of
cooperation between the two leaders could strengthen party cohesion and improve
the prospects for peace, stability and electoral success ahead of 2027.
As the election season approaches, the conduct of party
supporters will be just as important as the decisions of the leaders
themselves. Unity, discipline, mutual respect and loyalty will determine
whether the alliance between Governor Caleb Mutfwang and Professor Nentawe
Yilwatda achieves its intended objectives. The road to 2027 should therefore be
guided not by internal rivalry, but by a shared commitment to the progress of
Plateau State and the continued growth of the APC.
With the
reconstruction of the Akwanga–Jos-Gombe Road now underway, many Plateau citizens are
optimistic that sustained cooperation between Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang,
the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, and the Federal
Government will attract even more critical infrastructure projects to the
state. Perhaps the long-neglected Jos–Mubi Road, which has remained in a
deplorable condition for years despite its strategic importance to the two state
could be the next major intervention. For many residents, unity among political
leaders is not merely about electoral success—it is about creating the enabling
environment for development, improved connectivity and tangible dividends of
governance.
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