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.
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
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.
Samuel Kyarshik
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.