Politics

APC North-Central Forum Faults Humanitarian Minister Over Inaction in Plateau Crisis

Published

1 year ago

May 26, 2025

vicky

The North-Central Forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised alarm over what it described as a worsening humanitarian crisis across Nigeria—particularly in Plateau State—and criticized the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction for its perceived lack of adequate response.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Forum’s chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, singled out Minister Nentawe Yilwatda, accusing him of failing to deliver critical humanitarian support to affected communities, especially in his home state of Plateau, which has witnessed a series of deadly attacks by armed herdsmen and bandits.

“Plateau had no ministerial representation for eight months. We advocated for a competent replacement, but since Prof. Yilwatda’s appointment, the Ministry has not lived up to expectations. His impact has barely been felt,” the statement read.

Yilwatda, who contested the 2023 governorship election in Plateau under the APC, was appointed Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction in October 2024 following the resignation of Senator Simon Lalong. His appointment was widely expected to enhance federal intervention in Plateau’s conflict-hit areas.

However, the Forum expressed disappointment, claiming that the Ministry has provided limited support to displaced communities across the state. It noted that over 64 communities in Plateau have been attacked and taken over by armed groups, displacing thousands of residents.

“As stakeholders close to the grassroots, we can confirm that the Ministry has done very little to support displaced communities,” the statement added.

Citing data from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Forum highlighted that at least 52 people were killed and more than 1,800 displaced in attacks between March 27 and April 2, 2025.

The group further criticized Yilwatda for not visiting affected communities, in contrast to the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, who visited Bokkos Local Government Area in December 2024 and met with displaced persons and community leaders.

“It is disheartening that a minister from Plateau has not visited his own people in their time of need. His presence and leadership are urgently required,” the Forum said.

It also accused Yilwatda of allowing political differences—particularly his rivalry with Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who defeated him in the 2023 polls—to interfere with his duties.

“Public service must rise above politics. The wellbeing of citizens must not be sacrificed on the altar of political rivalry,” the statement added.

The Forum’s comments come amid ongoing speculation about a possible cabinet reshuffle as President Bola Tinubu marks the second anniversary of his administration on May 29, 2025.

They urged the Minister to urgently mobilize federal relief efforts and take decisive action to address the humanitarian challenges facing Plateau and other conflict-affected regions across the country.

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News

Senator I. D. Gyang Supporters Demand Review of Plateau North APC Primary Results

Published

4 days ago

May 30, 2026

vicky

Supporters of Senator I. D. Gyang have called for a review of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election results in Plateau North, alleging irregularities in the conduct of the exercise.

In a statement issued by the Director General of the I. D. Gyang Campaign Council, Comrade Lot Adas, the group expressed concern over what it described as a lack of transparency in the primary process.

The statement claimed that the outcome of the exercise did not reflect the wishes of party members, insisting that credible internal democracy must be upheld to preserve trust within the APC.

According to the group, party strength is rooted in grassroots participation, warning that any process that sidelines members’ votes could weaken unity and confidence in the party structure.

It further alleged that the Plateau North senatorial primary was not conducted in a manner consistent with due process, describing the results as unacceptable to many stakeholders within the constituency.

The supporters urged the APC leadership to ensure fairness and justice by reviewing the conduct and outcome of the primaries in line with party guidelines and democratic principles.

They also referenced ongoing considerations by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), expressing hope that the leadership would take corrective action after reviewing reports from relevant committees.

While calling for a review, the group appealed to party members and supporters to remain calm and peaceful, stressing that their demand is rooted in fairness, equity, and respect for internal democracy.

The statement reaffirmed commitment to the unity and progress of the APC in Plateau North, while insisting that only a credible and transparent process can strengthen the party ahead of future elections.

Signed:
Comrade Lot Adas
Director General, I. D. Gyang Campaign Council

News

Samuel Kyarshik Emerges APM Governorship Flagbearer in Plateau

Published

6 days ago

May 29, 2026

Preport

Samuel Danauta Kyarshik has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Allied People’s Movement for the 2027 general elections in Plateau State.

Kyarshik emerged through a consensus affirmation process during the party’s governorship primary election held in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

The exercise was supervised by the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Solomon Luka, who said the process followed the party’s constitutional guidelines for consensus primaries.

Luka explained that the emergence of only one cleared aspirant made the consensus option necessary and straightforward.

“We are here to make it official because by our guidelines we have only two ways of conducting primaries; either direct primaries or consensus. Since there is only one aspirant, all we need to do is use the consensus option,” he stated.

Following consultations with delegates and party stakeholders present at the venue, Luka formally declared Kyarshik as the party’s authentic governorship candidate after no objections were raised.

Speaking shortly after his emergence, Kyarshik described the affirmation as the beginning of a new chapter for Plateau State, promising inclusive governance, peace, and economic transformation if elected governor in 2027.

According to him, Plateau State possesses enormous human and natural resources capable of driving development and prosperity.

“Plateau State is too rich to be poor,” he declared, while blaming years of poor leadership for the economic and social challenges confronting the state.

The APM governorship candidate pledged to focus on restoring unity, improving infrastructure, creating opportunities for residents, and addressing insecurity across the state.

On security, Kyarshik assured residents that his administration would prioritise the protection of lives and property, stressing that leadership requires sacrifice and commitment to the people.

Also speaking, the Plateau State Chairman of the APM, Mohammed Abdullahi Danbaba, said the party was determined to provide purposeful leadership and tackle challenges such as insecurity, poor roads, and lack of basic amenities.

Danbaba described Kyarshik as a loyal and capable leader with the qualities needed to move Plateau State forward.

In his remarks, Emmanuel Goladi said the party was prepared to offer a new style of leadership built on teamwork, unity, and practical solutions to the state’s challenges.

Goladi identified insecurity as one of the major issues facing Plateau State, adding that the party had developed strategies aimed at ensuring lasting peace and development across the state.