By Moses Pam
Gov Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has reiterated that he would never defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), and assured that his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was already marching to a glorious landslide victory in all elections across Plateau in 2027.
He stated this on Monday in Jos during a dinner held to host all former and newly elected State and Local Government Executives of the party at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Rayfield.
Mutfwang explained that the meeting was convened to appreciate former PDP executives across the 17 Local Government Areas for their tireless efforts in ensuring the return of the PDP to power in the state in 2023
He assured them that their sacrifices and contributions would not be forgotten.
The Governor congratulated the newly elected State Executive Committee led by Chief Raymond Dabo, and expressed confidence that the new leadership would work harmoniously to lead the PDP to another comprehensive victory across the state in 2027.
He specifically commended former Commissioner for Information, Gregory Yenlong, former Commissioner for Finance, Davou Mang, and other aspirants who voluntarily stepped down during the last congress in the interest of peace, unity, and party cohesion.
Mutfwang directed the 17 Local Government PDP Chairmen to replicate the engagement by convening meetings with their Local Government and Ward Executives to strengthen the party’s grassroots structures.
He assured them that his administration remained committed to ensuring massive development projects across the state as the new season began.
Highlighting the bright prospects of the PDP in Plateau State, the Governor urged citizens to sustain their faith in the party, describing the PDP as the only political platform that aligns with the state’s development agenda.
He said that concrete measures were being put in place to correct past anomalies and reposition the party as a credible vehicle for good governance and democratic consolidation ahead of 2027.
Addressing recent political speculations, Mutfwang said it was true that attempts were made to lure him to join the APC, but he had refused.
According to the governor, his political journey is divinely guided by God and anchored on the will of the Plateau people.
“Many would want me to join them to lend credibility to their party in the state, but I remain with the majority of Plateau people in the PDP,” he stated firmly.
He also clarified that Raymond Dabo was unjustly arraigned in court for offences he knew nothing about, noting that the court had since discharged and acquitted him of all the allegations.
On governance, Mutfwang gave insights into his transformation agenda, noting that his administration had chosen to complete and continue with legacy projects initiated by former Governor and PDP leader, Sen. Jonah David Jang.
He said that had the previous administration completed those projects, his government would have concentrated on new initiatives to further accelerate rural development.
In his remarks, former Gov Jonah Jang, commended the resilience and sacrifice of the former party executives in reclaiming power for the PDP in Plateau State.
He assured members that the party would march together into the 2027 general elections for a resounding victory.
Jang urged members to disregard defections to other political parties, stressing that Plateau remained firmly under PDP’s control.
“Governor Mutfwang’s commitment and transformative leadership have set Plateau on a path of renewed hope and progress,” Jang said.
Also speaking, former Minister of Youth and Sports, Damishi Sango, congratulated the new State Executive and appreciated the efforts of the Chris Hassan-led executive for the role it played in enthroning the present government.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP and pledged continued support for the success of the Mutfwang administration.
The immediate past State Chairman of the PDP, Chris Hassan, thanked Gov Mutfwang for the opportunity to serve and appreciated his team for their unity and hard work.
He noted that such resilience and hard work resulted in the election of a Governor, two Senators, five House of Representatives members, and sixteen State Assembly members before the Appeal Court in a most controversial judgment overturned their mandates.
He expressed confidence that Plateau people know those they voted for and will stand by the PDP in 2027.
A frontline party stakeholder, Hajiya Jemila Gwandu, commended Gov Mutfwang for steering the state with divine wisdom and expressed confidence in Chief Raymond Dabo’s ability to lead the party to yet another overwhelming victory.
In his response, the newly elected State Chairman, Dabo, expressed deep gratitude to Governor Mutfwang, Sen. Jang, and Hon. Chris Hassan for reposing confidence in him to lead the PDP again after nine years.
He pledged to justify the trust by working tirelessly, together with his team, to ensure the PDP wins the 2027 elections with a landslide victory.
He appealed to Plateau citizens to remain steadfast in their belief in the PDP and expressed optimism that with Gov Mutfwang at the helm, development would take center stage across the state.
