By DUMAH RANDONG, PETER TITLE & NAMU SANUSI
THE political horizon of Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has continued to widen with overwhelming acceptability and endorsements by his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (POP), and several other groups.
This follows the exceptional leadership and governance he has brought to bear since assuming office.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang assumed office on May 29, 2023, after a landslide victory at the polls. The mandate given to him and his Deputy, Mrs. Josephine Piyo, reflected the people’s firm belief in their capacity to deliver on promises and the confidence reposed in the POP.
Traditionally, Plateau has been a POP stronghold since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999. The party governed the state for 16 years until 2015, when the All Progressives Congress (APC) gained control due to shifting political dynamics.
In just over two years, Governor Mutfwang has demonstrated competence, vision and capacity to provide good leadership. His infrastructural and economic development strides have transformed critical sectors, including roads, healthcare, agriculture, tourism, transportation and inclusive governance.
These achievements have endeared him to Plateau people. Hence, the growing clamour for his re-election in the 2027 general elections.
Plateau North PDF declares, ‘No Vacancy in 2027’
At its caucus meeting held at the Langfield Leisure Park, Rayfield, Jos South LGA, the Plateau North Senatorial District of the PDP unanimously endorsed Governor Mutfwang and his Deputy, Ngo Josephine Piyo, for a second term in 2027.
The caucus meeting, convened to discuss the party’s progress in the six LGAs of the district, had in attendance political leaders, elders and party officials at state, zonal and local levels.
In a communique, the Plateau North PDP passed a vote of confidence in the Mutfwang administration, declaring that “there is no vacancy in Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, in 2027.”
The motion for endorsement was moved by Senator Simon Mwadkwon and seconded byAlhaji Danladi Kwari, Chairman of the Plateau State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board. The motion received resounding approval through a unanimous voice vote.
The caucus also passed a vote of confidence in the Plateau State PDP EXCO, endorsing Hon. Chris Hassan for a second term as State Chairman and Hon. Davou Mang, Northern Zonal Chairman, alongside his EXCO, in line with 2017 PDP Constitution (as amended).
Communique highlights achievements
The communique listed major achievements of the Mutfwang administration, including:
Road construction across the state; introduction of the Metro Bus Scheme and restoration of train services; signing of an MoU with FAAN to upgrade Yakubu Gowon Airport into a Cargo International Airport for agro-export; urban renewal and road network realignment; remodeling of Hill Station and Plateau hotels through private sector partnerships; completion of a state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratory at Plateau Specialist Hospital; revitalisation of PLASCHEMA, with increased enrolment among rural dwellers; and strengthening of the Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency.
Others, according to the communique, include the prompt payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities; security interventions through revitalisation of Operation Rainbow and federal security support; and mobilisation of over 1,000 youths for agricultural development via BARC Farms and ASTC.
Stakeholders speak on unity, progress
Former Governor Jonah David Jang expressed strong support for the endorsement, emphasizing unity and stability within the party.
“I want to assure you that I align with what you have done. By the grace of God, PDP will remain one, and we will deliver the tickets of our Governor and his Deputy in 2027,” Jang stated.
He urged elected representatives to remain close to their constituents: “When you say you are representing your people and you don’t go to them or give them what belongs to them, it means you are representing yourself. You must talk to the people and give them what they need.”
Senator Simon Mwadkwon commended stakeholders for their unity and the unanimous endorsement. Hon. Davou Mang, PDP Plateau North Chairman, highlighted that since 1999, Plateau North had been the party’s stronghold, delivering over 90% success in 2023.
Plateau State PDP Chairman, Chris Hassan, called for continued unity and mobilisation.
Former Minister of Water Resources, Sarah Ochapke, pledged women’s support for Governor Mutfwang’s re-election bid.
With endorsements already secured from stakeholders across Plateau’s three senatorial districts, as well as from the Middle Belt Ethnic Nationalities, Plateau ALGON, Jos North PDP stakeholders and PDP councillors, the momentum appears solid.
As 2027 approaches, the endorsements underscore both the unity within the PDP and the widespread support Governor Mutfwang enjoys across regions and demographics.