Photo: Mrs Josephine Piyo
Plateau 2023: PDP guber candidate, Mutfwang, picks female for deputy governor
Mr Caleb Mutfwang, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer for the 2023 governorship election in Plateau State, has unveiled Mrs Josephine Piyo as his running mate ahead of the election.
The governorship hopeful who presented Piyo at the PDP Secretariat in Jos on Tuesday explained that his decision to choose Piyo was informed by her capacity for leadership and his own ability to take tough decisions.
Piyo who hails from Barkin Ladi local government area is married to a Riyom man, and was a member of the Plateau State House of Assembly from 1999-2003
She served as a Special Adviser to former governor Jonah Jang between 2008-2011 before she was elected as the executive chairman of Riyom local government in 2014.
Prior to her joining politics, Piyo was a nurse and teacher.
In his remark at the event, Mutfwang said, “Today is a day of history. I must begin to demonstrate my capacity for leadership by taking a very tough decision, the choice of a Deputy Governorship candidate for our great party.
“It is pertinent to mention that since my election, I have taken the responsibility of providing leadership seriously. I have begun by talking with and where possible visiting my fellow contestants. I am very grateful for their sportsmanship and solidarity thus far.
“The discharge permits me to place on record the unflinching support I have enjoyed from the leadership of our party across the state, elders, stakeholders, and supporters since I emerged as our gubernatorial candidate.
“Fortunately for me, I have an array of qualified men and women to choose from. Ironically it is a difficult one since it can only be one person.
“In making this decision, I have made far-reaching consultations with leaders of our party, stakeholders, and various caucuses before choosing my running mate in order to enhance the joint ticket going into the general elections.
“Some of you will recall that in the course of my campaigns before the party primaries, I made a commitment to giving a voice to the voiceless.
“I make bold to say that a critical segment of our society that is often neglected in leadership considerations is the women folk and yet they form a formidable percentage of our population. For me giving them a voice is a compelling necessity.
“I, therefore, have the honour and privilege of introducing to our party members and Plateau people a respected Plateau woman, mother, grandmother, daughter of Barkin Ladi, wife of the people of Riyom.
“Ladies and gentlemen behold the Honourable Mrs. Josephine Chundung Piyo, as my running mate.”
Responding, Piyo pledged total support and loyalty to the governorship flag bearer and the party.
“I will give you the maximum support, and will not betray this trust, by the grace of God”, she said.
