By Jordan Walbe.
The appointment of *Sir Joseph Ari*, former Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund, ITF, as *Director-General of Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s 2027 re-election campaign* has triggered debate among political stakeholders in Plateau State, with many questioning his capacity to unify party factions and deliver victory.
The announcement, which surfaced on social media in recent days, has drawn mixed reactions from APC stakeholders and political observers who are asking what informed the Governor’s decision at this critical time.
*”Can Ari Reconcile Legacy and Mutfwang Groups?”*
Sources within the party say the central concern is whether Sir Ari can bridge the divide between the *“Legacy APC group”* and the *“Mutfwang group”* ahead of 2027.
_“The question here is: Can Sir Joseph Ari be able to reconcile the Legacy group and Mutfwang group? Can he unite the two groups to work together? Can he deliver Mutfwang in 2027? These questions need answers and careful observation,”_ a party stakeholder said.
The appointment comes amid rising online campaigns by some _“data boys”_ allegedly linked to the Legacy group, who have been raising issues of security and development in the state.
There are also allegations of _“secret alliances”_ between some members of the Legacy group and the *PDP candidate, Chief Kefas Ropshik Kefiano*. While names were withheld, sources claim that _“secret meetings are taking place against Governor Mutfwang’s re-election bid”_ and appear to be tilting in favor of the PDP candidate. This, stakeholders say, should serve as a _“wake-up call”_ for the Governor on who he works with.
*APC Unification Meeting Records Notable Absences*
A recent meeting convened at the *New Government House* to unify the APC had in attendance *former Governor Senator Simon Bako Lalong* and other members of the Legacy group. However, observers noted the absence of several _“strong political figures”_ of the Legacy faction.
Political analysts have raised a _“red flag”_ over the absence, urging Governor Mutfwang _“to work with wisdom and not assume that all is well because politics is a dirty game.”_
*Warnings of Betrayal and Calls for Reconciliation*
The concerns were amplified by a recent statement from *APC supporter, Makut Alfred Mashat*, titled _“Governor Mutfwang: The Time Is Now to Show Leadership.”_
Mashat warned that continued division could weaken the APC’s chances in Plateau and called on the Governor, as state party leader, _“to extend an olive branch to aggrieved members and build a united front.”_
He recalled what happened in 2023, alleging _“absolute betrayal of the APC by some people who felt aggrieved with the way the party was run, which gave advantage to Governor Mutfwang to win.”_
_“JUST IN: APC Supporter Urges Mutfwang to Reconcile Factions, or Risk 2027 APC Losses in the State,”_ Mashat wrote, while also urging the Governor to prioritize security, facilitate the return of displaced persons, and intensify community policing.
He added that _“reconciliation, inclusion and visible delivery of development projects”_ would help restore confidence in the APC ahead of 2027.
*”Time to Be on Guard”*
Stakeholders told this medium that the Governor must be cautious of _“politicians who will come to collect money and later betray him,”_ warning that the political atmosphere is already charged with realignments.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, all eyes will be on Sir Joseph Ari to see if he can harmonize interests, contain internal dissent, and mobilize the APC to retain Plateau Government House.
