Politics
Mixed Reactions Trail APC North-Central Forum’s Endorsement of Tinubu, Mutfwang for 2027
The recent endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang by the All Progressives Congress (APC) North-Central Forum for the 2027 general elections has sparked unease and debate across political circles in Plateau State.
The development, which saw the APC forum back Tinubu of the APC and Mutfwang of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has especially drawn concern from members of the political camp aligned with former Governor Jonah Jang, known as the Redemption Camp, which later evolved into the ‘Time Is Now’ movement. The endorsement has triggered fresh speculation over Governor Mutfwang’s political alignment and his possible defection to the ruling APC.
Sources within the Jang political camp expressed surprise that such endorsements would surface during the same period the APC’s North-Central Zonal Congress was taking place, raising concerns about public perception and political messaging.
“We attended the zonal congress, and there was no mention of endorsements. The statement clearly says ‘APC North-Central Forum,’ which is distinct from the party’s official structure,” a source within the group clarified.
Commenting on the situation, former House of Representatives member under the PDP, Hon. Bitrus Kaze, said he was not surprised by the forum’s endorsement of Mutfwang, suggesting the governor’s political posture has long hinted at alignment with the APC.
He stated: “Since the Supreme Court upheld his election victory, it has been increasingly clear that Governor Mutfwang, in spirit, appears more aligned with Tinubu and the APC than with the PDP. What remains in the PDP for him may be just his physical presence.”
Kaze also questioned how the governor could remain comfortable within the PDP despite the absence of any PDP member in the Plateau State House of Assembly, including the House Speaker, who is reportedly the sole member standing for the party.
Responding to what could become of the PDP should Mutfwang eventually switch parties, Kaze said: “The issue isn’t merely about the PDP’s future in Plateau. I’ve long raised concerns about the party’s weak structure going into the 2023 elections. In truth, the PDP was only rescued by the Supreme Court’s ruling, not by its organisational strength. Whether that decision was right or wrong is a debate for another day, but it certainly defined the party’s survival.”
As of now, Governor Mutfwang has not responded publicly to the endorsement or the growing speculation surrounding his political future. Party watchers say the coming months may further clarify the governor’s trajectory ahead of the 2027 election season.
The Plateau State Government has intensified its strategic partnership with China as part of efforts to attract foreign investment, transform agriculture, and accelerate infrastructure development, positioning the state as a competitive destination for business and industrial growth.
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang disclosed this on Monday while receiving the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, alongside a delegation of Chinese investors and business executives at the Government House in Jos.
The visit is part of the state’s broader strategy to strengthen international partnerships and attract foreign direct investment into critical sectors such as agriculture, mining, healthcare, tourism, infrastructure, and industrial development.
Speaking during the meeting, Governor Mutfwang described the relationship between Plateau State and China as one that has steadily evolved over the years, stressing the importance of expanding cooperation beyond national engagements through direct partnerships with Chinese provinces.
He said his administration is committed to leveraging investment, technology transfer, innovation, and knowledge exchange to unlock the state’s vast economic potential.
Agriculture at the Centre of Partnership
Governor Mutfwang identified agriculture as a key area for collaboration, noting that Plateau State has long been recognized as Nigeria’s food basket and a historic mining hub.
He explained that the government is pursuing an ambitious agricultural modernization agenda focused on mechanization, increased productivity, cold-chain infrastructure, livestock development, and agro-processing.
As part of the initiative, the governor unveiled plans for a 500-hectare Special Agro-Processing Zone near the Yakubu Gowon International Cargo Airport, designed to serve as a major export hub for agricultural products while improving value addition for farmers and agribusinesses.
He also highlighted investment opportunities in poultry, dairy farming, fisheries, and animal feed production, emphasizing the need to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported dairy products by building a competitive local livestock industry.
Sustainable Mining and Industrial Growth
On mining, Governor Mutfwang advocated responsible and environmentally sustainable practices that promote local value addition and community development.
He also called for closer collaboration with Chinese authorities in tackling illegal mining activities and ensuring that mineral resources contribute meaningfully to the state’s economic development.
China Reaffirms Commitment
In his remarks, Ambassador Yu described Plateau State as a strategic investment destination due to its abundant natural resources, favorable climate, and enormous agricultural potential.
He commended Governor Mutfwang’s leadership and ongoing reforms in infrastructure, agriculture, education, and governance, assuring the state of continued support from both the Chinese Government and the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria.
The ambassador disclosed that the visiting delegation comprised executives from four internationally recognized Chinese companies with extensive operational experience in Nigeria, expressing confidence that the engagement would unlock new opportunities in transportation, infrastructure, agriculture, and industrial development.
New Export Opportunities
Ambassador Yu highlighted the growing economic ties between China and Nigeria, revealing that bilateral trade between the two countries is valued at several billions of dollars annually, while Chinese direct investment in Nigeria reached approximately $700 million in the previous year.
He also announced that China’s recently introduced 100 percent zero-tariff policy on Nigerian exports presents a significant opportunity for Plateau State’s agricultural products to gain access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
Drawing from China’s development experience, Yu noted that agricultural reforms had lifted more than 800 million people out of poverty, pledging China’s support in improving agricultural productivity, expanding processing capacity, strengthening livestock production, and developing agricultural value chains in Plateau State.
Addressing concerns over illegal mining, the ambassador reiterated China’s zero-tolerance policy against unlawful mining activities and assured the state government of cooperation in identifying and prosecuting offenders while encouraging legitimate investors to comply with established regulations.
Both leaders expressed optimism that the renewed engagement would usher in a new era of mutually beneficial cooperation, delivering increased investment, job creation, economic growth, and sustainable development for Plateau State.
-
News4 days agoBREAKING: Ekiti 2026: ADC wins first polling unit
-
Health3 days ago
FG releases outbreak response funds to states to boost Ebola preparedness
-
News4 days ago
Coach Lucky Jolly Iduseri Hails Discipline and Preparation After Team Nigeria’s Strong Showing at Central African Powerlifting Championship
-
News4 days ago
JUST IN: Gunmen Kill Pregnant Woman, Youth in Fresh Plateau Attack
