By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has declared support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections. He made the declaration in Jos during the inauguration of the party’s presidential and state campaign councils. The governor urged party members to mobilise voters across Plateau State. He also endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, citing economic reforms and development projects.
Mutfwang Rejects Rainbow Coalition, Backs APC
Mutfwang dismissed suggestions of a possible rainbow coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections. Instead, he declared that Plateau had chosen the APC as its political platform.
He also insisted that neither the Presidential Villa nor Plateau Government House had a vacant seat.
“Some people are talking about rainbow, but we are talking about a unification movement. Plateau people have decided to go in one direction in 2027.
“We have chosen the wings on which we intend to fly in 2027. Those wings belong to the APC,” he declared.
The governor expressed confidence in Tinubu’s re-election prospects. He also predicted victory for the APC in the Plateau governorship election.
Mutfwang said he expected Plateau voters to support Tinubu on January 16, 2027. He added that voters would renew his administration’s mandate two weeks later.
Governor Promises Improved Security, Return of IDPs
The governor acknowledged persistent insecurity across parts of Plateau State. However, he insisted that his administration had taken deliberate steps to address the situation.
He also promised to deploy additional security personnel to protect communities.
“One thing I have committed myself to is protecting every inch of land in Plateau State,” Mutfwang said.
Furthermore, he disclosed plans to facilitate the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
“Very soon, we are going to take practical steps to facilitate the return of displaced persons. They will return to their communities.
“All we ask is for Plateau people to trust us and remain patient. By God’s grace, you will not regret it,” he added.
Mutfwang explained that insecurity requires sustained efforts rather than immediate solutions.
He therefore urged residents to support ongoing security initiatives.
Mutfwang Highlights Achievements in Plateau State
The governor urged APC candidates and campaign officials to communicate his administration’s achievements effectively.
He also encouraged party members to campaign with honesty, facts and seriousness.
According to him, poor communication has prevented some residents from understanding the government’s achievements.
He challenged candidates to lead their campaigns and promote unity across political divisions.
Mutfwang highlighted several projects his administration had introduced since taking office.
These include the following:
- Metro buses: The government introduced buses to improve transportation across Plateau State.
- Railway revival: His administration revived the railway system within Jos metropolis.
- Reduced school fees: The government reduced tuition fees for tertiary institution students by 50 per cent.
- Increased allowances: Students also received an approximately 300 per cent increase in allowances.
He said these initiatives demonstrated his administration’s commitment to improving residents’ welfare.
Plateau Students Benefit from NELFUND
Mutfwang also praised the Federal Government’s student financing programme.
He specifically highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which supports eligible students financially.
According to the governor, Plateau indigenes studying at various universities have benefited from the initiative.
He said some beneficiaries receive monthly support of ₦20,000 or ₦40,000.
Mutfwang described the programme as an important development for students and their families.
Mutfwang Defends Tinubu’s Economic Reforms
The Plateau governor defended Tinubu’s economic policies ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
He argued that the President inherited serious economic challenges when he assumed office in 2023.
Mutfwang claimed Nigeria struggled to meet external debt obligations under the previous administration.
He also said foreign airlines experienced difficulties repatriating their earnings from Nigeria.
According to him, the country’s external reserves had fallen to slightly above $3 billion.
However, he claimed the reserves had increased to more than $50 billion under Tinubu.
The governor also accused the previous administration of excessive money printing.
He alleged that the government printed more than ₦30 trillion to manage economic challenges.
“Today, by the grace of God, the Central Bank has stabilised. That deficit has also been addressed,” he said.
Governor Criticises Previous Fuel Subsidy System
Mutfwang also defended the removal of the petrol subsidy.
He described the previous arrangement as fraudulent, alleging widespread abuse of subsidy payments.
According to him, the government borrowed money to pay claims supported by fictitious documents.
“You cannot continue borrowing money to give to thieves. You have to stop it at some point.
“When you stop it, there will be a payback period and a recovery time,” he said.
The governor acknowledged that petrol remained expensive despite improved availability.
However, he recalled the prolonged fuel queues Nigerians experienced under previous administrations.
He argued that the current administration had addressed fuel availability challenges.
Mutfwang Calls for Power Rotation Between North and South
The Plateau governor also advocated power rotation between Nigeria’s northern and southern regions.
He argued that political leaders should respect the existing power-sharing arrangement.
According to Mutfwang, the South deserves another eight years after the North completed its previous tenure.
He warned that abandoning the arrangement could create political consequences in the future.
“We must agree that power should rotate between the North and the South.
“If the North spends eight years, it is only fair to allow the South eight years,” he said.
Governor Insists on APC Victory in 2027
Mutfwang maintained that the APC remained Plateau’s preferred political platform ahead of 2027.
He urged party members to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and communicate government achievements.
He also called on candidates to build bridges rather than deepen political divisions.
The governor expressed confidence that Plateau voters would support Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
He further predicted that the APC would retain the Plateau Government House.
His remarks came during the formal inauguration of the APC presidential and state campaign councils in Jos.
