From Tongnaan Bawa Jos
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has inaugurated the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections, urging members to pursue a peaceful, issue-based and grassroots-driven campaign to secure victory for the party at all levels.
The inauguration, held on Monday, November 2, 2026, at Government House, Rayfield, Jos, marks the commencement of coordinated mobilisation for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Mutfwang, Deputy Governor Ngo Josephine Piyo and other APC candidates contesting National and State Assembly seats in Plateau State.
Mutfwang, while inaugurating the council, expressed appreciation to Plateau residents for their support, acknowledging the progress recorded by his administration while admitting that more work remained to be done.
He argued that his government deserved another term to consolidate ongoing projects and programmes, stressing that development required continuity and sustained commitment.
“There is no government that ends everything. Every government is a relay. Our duty is not to make others look bad; it is to see how we can collectively make Plateau State look better,” he said.
On security, the Governor acknowledged the challenges confronting the state but assured residents that his administration was pursuing sustained measures to protect lives and property.
He disclosed that plans were underway to facilitate the return of internally displaced persons to their communities, adding that another batch of retrained Operation Rainbow personnel would soon be commissioned, alongside the deployment of at least 800 trained forest guards to strengthen security in vulnerable communities.
Mutfwang called for patience and collective support, noting that restoring lasting peace and ensuring the safe return of displaced persons required coordinated efforts and professional expertise.
Defending the economic reforms of the Tinubu administration, the Governor acknowledged the hardship facing Nigerians but maintained that the country needed time to overcome longstanding fiscal and structural challenges.
He cited improvements in foreign reserves and fuel availability as indicators of progress, while highlighting interventions by his administration to cushion the effects of economic hardship in Plateau.
These include the introduction of Tin City Metro buses, revival of rail services within the metropolis, a 50 per cent reduction in tuition fees in state-owned tertiary institutions and a 300 per cent increase in student allowances.
He also acknowledged the benefits of Federal Government student loan and scholarship programmes to Plateau indigenes studying in various universities.
On party unity, the Governor urged APC candidates and stakeholders to put aside political differences, embrace humility and work collectively towards the party’s success.
He emphasised that electoral victories were determined at the grassroots, urging campaign council members to return to their respective wards, constituencies and local government areas to mobilise voters.
“The votes are in the polling unit. They are not in Jos. Everybody can only matter in the locality where you come from,” Mutfwang stated.
He further charged members to conduct their campaigns with honesty, respect and tolerance, insisting that the exercise must be devoid of bitterness and political hostility.
Earlier, Director-General of the Mutfwang/Piyo 2027 Governorship Campaign Council, Sir Joseph N. Ari, expressed appreciation to the Governor for the confidence reposed in him and other members of the council.
Ari pledged that the campaign would be driven by discipline, teamwork, effective organisation and responsible engagement with the electorate.
He commended the Governor’s Time Is Now policy direction, particularly its emphasis on unity, mutual respect and development, describing peaceful coexistence as essential to Plateau State’s sustainable progress.
The campaign Director-General disclosed that the council had received expressions of support from 115 support groups, alongside solidarity visits and assurances from traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youths and other organised groups.
He, however, stressed that sustaining the momentum would require collective commitment, strategic coordination and continuous engagement with communities across the state.
Ari assured that the campaign would be factual, issue-based and free from bitterness, while calling on APC supporters and Plateau residents to turn out en masse on November 14, 2026, to welcome President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, and other national party leaders during their scheduled visit to the state.
Also speaking, Plateau State APC Chairman, Hon. Rufus Bature, described the inauguration as an important step towards building a coordinated political structure ahead of the 2027 elections.
Bature emphasised the importance of grassroots organisation, loyalty, effective communication and accountability, noting that the party’s electoral prospects would depend largely on the commitment of its members and the strength of its structures across polling units.
He urged members of the campaign council to discharge their responsibilities diligently and avoid complacency, assuring that the party remained open to accommodating more stakeholders as preparations for the elections progressed.