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Political Realignment in Plateau Sparks Debate on Accountability and Democratic Responsibility

Published

5 months ago

January 8, 2026

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Plateau State is witnessing a major political realignment as an increasing number of political actors and governing structures defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), triggering renewed debate around democratic responsibility, governance, and the ethical use of power.

Analysts describe the development as unusual in both scale and speed, noting that it goes beyond routine political defections and may represent a defining moment in the state’s democratic evolution. While party switching is a familiar feature of Nigeria’s political landscape, the current trend has raised concerns about the implications of a weakened opposition and the concentration of political power.

Commenting on the development, National President of the Plateau State Association, USA, Inc., Dr. Barth Shepkong, a public policy scholar and social entrepreneur, cautioned that democracy depends not only on electoral victories but on strong institutions, pluralism, and accountability.

Dr. Shepkong observed that Nigeria’s highly centralized political system often incentivizes political actors to align with federal power structures for access to resources and political survival, making many defections strategic rather than ideological.

While acknowledging that political consolidation can offer benefits such as improved access to national resources, coordinated security responses, and faster development, he warned that these advantages must be guided by ethical leadership and transparent governance.

“Where political competition weakens, legislative oversight and civic scrutiny may also decline, increasing the risk of unaccountable governance,” he said.

He further noted that Plateau State’s complex history—shaped by identity, land ownership, faith, and communal relations—makes inclusive and transparent governance essential, warning that any political arrangement perceived as exclusionary could undermine peace and social cohesion.

Dr. Shepkong emphasized that alignment with the federal government is not inherently negative, stressing that the true measure of leadership lies in how power is exercised, balanced with accountability, and translated into effective service delivery.

With opposition voices thinning, he said public office holders now bear a greater moral responsibility to govern with transparency, competence, and inclusiveness, while strengthening oversight institutions and welcoming public scrutiny.

Beyond political leaders, he urged citizens, civil society organisations, the media, faith-based and traditional institutions, as well as members of the Plateau diaspora, to remain actively engaged in civic life.

“Democracy weakens not only when leaders fail, but when citizens disengage,” he said, calling on the public to consistently demand transparency and measurable outcomes from government.

He also warned that a dominant political party must uphold internal democracy and ethical standards to avoid factionalism and weakened governance structures.

As Plateau State navigates this period of political transition, stakeholders have been urged to reinforce democratic safeguards, including transparent procurement processes, credible internal party mechanisms, effective legislative oversight, and sustained civic engagement. Observers say decisions made during this period will shape both the state’s present governance outcomes and its long-term democratic legacy.

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NURTW commends Gov Mutfwang for road construction, rehabilitation

Published

2 hours ago

June 3, 2026

Preport

Plateau State governor Caleb Mutfwang.png

The National Union of Road Transport Workers has commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for the construction of new roads and the rehabilitation of existing ones in Plateau.

Yakubu Dalyop, chairman of the union in Plateau, gave the commendation when he visited the governor in Jos on Wednesday, accompanied by other officials and members from across the state’s 17 LGAs.

He said the rehabilitation and construction of the roads boosted the safety of drivers and passengers on the highways. He said it also boosted economic activity and improved the state’s revenue profile.

“We thank you for your visionary leadership. We appreciate you for showing courage, character and leadership.

“As primary stakeholders who spent their lives on the road, we are feeling the impact of your transformative administration. We deeply appreciate the extensive road rehabilitation and construction in the state. We, however, ask for more to ensure the safety of the motoring community in the state,” he said.

Mr Dalyop also urged the governor to introduce a soft loan scheme and transport interventions for drivers in the state to boost their personal incomes and the state’s overall income.

He also thanked the governor for the ban on illegal motor parks and affirmed the union’s support for the governor to succeed.

“We commend you for the ban on illegal motor parks in the state. The move has not only reduced insecurity but ensured sanity in the state. We call on you to ensure this effort is sustained,” the chairman said.

Mr Dalyop further called on the chairmen of the LGAs to construct standard motor parks in their localities.

Mr Mutfwang thanked members of the union for the visit and for their support in helping his administration succeed.

“We shall upgrade all the approved motor parks in the state; we shall also open trailer parks in key locations, too,” Mr Mutfwang promised.

The governor, however, advised commercial drivers to be vigilant and desist from being used as tools for criminal activities. He also called on the union to join the government in the campaign against the production and consumption of illicit drugs in Plateau.

(NAN)

News

Unity Cup 2026 Brought Up Many Unforgettable Moments – Drew Uyi

Published

3 hours ago

June 3, 2026

Preport

As dust settles on the aftermath of this year’s Unity Cup in London, the event’s brand ambassador, Dr Drew Uyi has hailed the four-nation invitational competition for bringing forth many unforgettable moments.

Sports247 reports that Uyi, who is a globally-acclaimed corporate strategist, business instructor and FIFA-licensed agent, further hailed the 2026 Unity Cup for providing a glamorous spectacle of cultural excellence and unity.

Uyi further praised the quality of football that was on offer at Charlton Athletic FC’s Valley Stadium, where Nigeria defeated Jamaica 3-0 in last Saturday’s final, four days after they deflated Zimbabwe 2-0 in the opening match at same venue.

While noting that the Eagles snatched a fourth consecutive Unity Cup title, Uyi pointed out that the competition is aimed at fostering peace, community development and cultural harmony among participating countries, which he says were all achieved.

He waxed lyrical about the competition’s success in terms of social interactions, cultural connections and football artistry, all of which Uyi affirmed have huge potential to get better and bigger with the 2027 edition already in planning stage.

“We celebrate an incredible tournament that saw Nigeria crowned champions again. It was a celebration of football, culture and community, as the Unity Cup 2026 brought unforgettable moments and united fans from across the globe.

“We say thank you to all the players, supporters, partners and volunteers who made this year’s tournament such a success. Even as works have started to make Unity Cup 2027 better and bigger,” Uyi enthused confidently.