IT WAS ABOUT COMPETENCE, NOT CREED” – TRUSTA FAULTS JINGIR OVER TINUBU’S MUSLIM-MUSLIM TICKET

(By WALBE OGAK)

The Trust Tinubu Again Support Group (TRUSTA) has criticised recent remarks by Sheikh Yahaya Jingir concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to run a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, describing the comments as a misrepresentation of the President’s intention.

In a statement issued in Abuja on August 14, 2026, the group said the 2023 presidential election was not a contest of religious superiority but one in which Nigerians across religious, ethnic and regional divides exercised their constitutional right to choose leaders they considered capable of delivering good governance.

According to TRUSTA, President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima were elected on the basis of competence, experience and political expediency, rather than as an attempt to impose a particular religious agenda on the country.

The group argued that three years into the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the emphasis of the Federal Government has been on governance and policy implementation, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, economic reforms, security, employment and national development.

TRUSTA further accused Sheikh Jingir of continuing to deploy rhetoric capable of deepening religious and political divisions in the country.

The support group recalled comments attributed to the cleric during the 2023 election period, alleging that similar statements contributed to the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) loss of the Plateau State governorship election.

It described the alleged continued rhetoric as an attempt to distract Nigerians from the administration’s development agenda and undermine efforts toward nation-building.

The group maintained that political and religious leaders have a responsibility to promote peaceful coexistence and national unity, particularly at a time when the country is confronted with security and economic challenges.

“It is irresponsible, unpatriotic and unethical to weaponise religion and deliberately polarise Nigerians along faith lines,” TRUSTA stated.

The group called on political and religious leaders across the country to refrain from divisive narratives and instead support policies capable of improving the lives of Nigerians irrespective of their religious, ethnic or regional backgrounds.

TRUSTA said the ultimate measure of any government should be its performance and impact on citizens, rather than religious identity.

The statement was signed by Hon. Stephen Bond, National Coordinator, Trust Tinubu Again Support Group (TRUSTA).

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

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.