The Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has told the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, to perish the idea of “installing” a governor in the state in 2027 as the state belongs to the PDP and the people are happy with Gov. Caleb Mutfwang.
Prof. Yilwatda a governorship candidate in 2023 who was defeated by Mutfwang had, during a live radio programme in Jos on Wednesday, said the governor will only do one tenure as the APC will take over the state in the 2027 governorship elections.
However, while reacting to Yilwatda’s comments, the state PDP Publicity Secretary, Jonathan Amande, said the APC Chairman’s statements can only be a figment of his imagination and a mere ambitious and rhetorical comments to give the APC and its supporters non-existent hope.
In a statement on Thursday, Amande insisted that only the people of Plateau can decide who governs them and the idea of installing a governor by the APC is not only far-fetched but a ruse meant to massage the ego of the APC.
Amande noted that while the PDP acknowledged that Prof. Yilwatda’s freedom to dream and express his opinion, it was imperative to remind him that producing the next governor of Plateau State requires far more than mere ambition or rhetoric.
The PDP spokesman emphasized that the party’s strength in Plateau has gone beyond mere talks as the party’s long-standing presence across the state as well as its structures in every ward and local government area will be difficult to dismantle.
Amande noted that Mutfwang has gone beyond just being a governor but has become the “people’s governor,” who is loved and admired by all which is a proof of the party’s governance record and people-centred policies.
According to Amanda, leadership goes beyond personal ambition, adding that broad-based acceptance, proven capacity, and credibility before the electorate are the qualities required to win elections, all qualities that the PDP have consistently demonstrated.
The Plateau PDP added that the party has reaffirmed its focus on unity, democratic consolidation, and development, and pledged to strengthen its internal cohesion and deepen engagement with Plateau citizens ahead of the next polls.
“Our focus remains on strengthening our unity, consolidating democratic gains, and working closely with the people to ensure more progress and development in the State,” Amande stated, while promising that the PDP will engage voters constructively, emphasising fairness, accountability, and service delivery as its guiding principles going into 2027.
“We urge our members and supporters to remain steadfast because the PDP as a party, is fully prepared to once more earn the people’s trust at the polls come 2027,” Amande said.
