By Admin.
Political tension is rising in Plateau State over what many analysts and stakeholders describe as an emerging “internal coup” aimed at stopping the re-election of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang in 2027. The deepening rift between the so-called Legacy group and the Mutfwang camp is now dominating political discourse across the state.
Observers say the open name-calling and realignment between the two factions signal a troubling division at a time when Plateau continues to grapple with insecurity, land grabbing, and communal attacks often described as ethnic cleansing. Instead of a united front to address these crises, political leaders appear focused on 2027 calculations.
The controversy gained momentum following repeated public appearances of Plateau PDP governorship candidate, Chief Kefas Ropshik Kefiano, alongside APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda. The most recent was at the Jos Polo Field during a tournament organized to honour Professor Yilwatda by Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule. Kefiano’s presence at an APC-led event has fueled speculation.
Sources within the PDP’s Wike faction allege that underground negotiations are ongoing between Kefiano and the APC National Chairman. Political commentators argue that if true, the alliance could be a calculated strategy to weaken Governor Mutfwang’s political base ahead of 2027.
The division has also spilled into Plateau’s National Assembly politics. The latest flashpoint involves Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi of the Mutfwang camp and Dr. John Tongshinen Gozhak, who is challenging Gagdi’s victory for the Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency seat.
The tension escalated after returning officers from Pankshin, Kanke, and Kanam held a world press conference at the Great Links Hotel Gold and Base. They alleged that they were approached with promises of juicy appointments in Mutfwang’s government to sign a declaration that the election did not take place. The press briefing was widely viewed as whistleblowing and drew sharp reactions from Gagdi’s camp.
Allegations have also mounted that APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, is actively working against Governor Mutfwang’s second-term bid. The claim has dominated political conversations in the state in recent months, with many saying “all is not well” within the ruling party in Plateau.
The perceived rift was glaring during Governor Mutfwang’s 3rd year in office celebration. Key figures from the Legacy group, including Professor Nentawe, former Governor Senator Simon Bako Lalong, and Rt. Hon. Gagdi, were conspicuously absent. Former Governor, Senator Jonah David Jang, was also not in attendance.
For many stakeholders, the absence of the top ranks of the Legacy group was more than a protocol issue. It was interpreted as a red flag and clear evidence of the widening division within Plateau APC and its allies.
The development has drawn criticism, especially given that both Governor Mutfwang and the APC National Chairman now hail from the same state and zone. Rather than being an advantage for the state, many describe the situation as political betrayal rather than support.
Civil society actors and political analysts have warned that the feud is unhealthy for democracy in a state already burdened by security challenges. They argue that political leaders should be prioritizing unity to confront banditry and displacement instead of fighting over 2027.
Amid the controversy, calls have intensified for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene. Stakeholders are urging the President to call the Legacy group to order and ensure that internal party politics does not derail governance or destabilize Plateau State ahead of the next general elections.
[7/12, 10:36 AM] Meta AI: *Headline:*
*Political Betrayal Looms in Plateau: Alleged “Internal Coup” to Block Mutfwang’s 2027 Re-election Bid Sparks Crisis*
*JOS* – Political tension is rising in Plateau State over what many analysts and stakeholders describe as an emerging “internal coup” aimed at stopping the re-election of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang in 2027. The deepening rift between the so-called Legacy group and the Mutfwang camp is now dominating political discourse across the state.
Observers say the open name-calling and realignment between the two factions signal a troubling division at a time when Plateau continues to grapple with insecurity, land grabbing, and communal attacks often described as ethnic cleansing. Instead of a united front to address these crises, political leaders appear focused on 2027 calculations.
The controversy gained momentum following repeated public appearances of Plateau PDP governorship candidate, Chief Kefas Ropshik Kefiano, alongside APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda. The most recent was at the Jos Polo Field during a tournament organized to honour Professor Yilwatda by Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule. Kefiano’s presence at an APC-led event has fueled speculation.
Sources within the PDP’s Wike faction allege that underground negotiations are ongoing between Kefiano and the APC National Chairman. Political commentators argue that if true, the alliance could be a calculated strategy to weaken Governor Mutfwang’s political base ahead of 2027.
The division has also spilled into Plateau’s National Assembly politics. The latest flashpoint involves Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi of the Mutfwang camp and Dr. John Tongshinen Gozhak, who is challenging Gagdi’s victory for the Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency seat.
The tension escalated after returning officers from Pankshin, Kanke, and Kanam held a world press conference at the Great Links Hotel Gold and Base. They alleged that they were approached with promises of juicy appointments in Mutfwang’s government to sign a declaration that the election did not take place. The press briefing was widely viewed as whistleblowing and drew sharp reactions from Gagdi’s camp.
Allegations have also mounted that APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, is actively working against Governor Mutfwang’s second-term bid. The claim has dominated political conversations in the state in recent months, with many saying “all is not well” within the ruling party in Plateau.
The perceived rift was glaring during Governor Mutfwang’s 3rd year in office celebration. Key figures from the Legacy group, including Professor Nentawe, former Governor Senator Simon Bako Lalong, and Rt. Hon. Gagdi, were conspicuously absent. Former Governor, Senator Jonah David Jang, was also not in attendance.
For many stakeholders, the absence of the top ranks of the Legacy group was more than a protocol issue. It was interpreted as a red flag and clear evidence of the widening division within Plateau APC and its allies.
The development has drawn criticism, especially given that both Governor Mutfwang and the APC National Chairman now hail from the same state and zone. Rather than being an advantage for the state, many describe the situation as political betrayal rather than support.
Civil society actors and political analysts have warned that the feud is unhealthy for democracy in a state already burdened by security challenges. They argue that political leaders should be prioritizing unity to confront banditry and displacement instead of fighting over 2027.
Amid the controversy, calls have intensified for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene. Stakeholders are urging the President to call the Legacy group to order and ensure that internal party politics does not derail governance or destabilize Plateau State ahead of the next general elections.
