Political masterstroke or deadly bet : ‘Why Governor Mutfwang taking the ultimate gamble ahead 2027
Samson Yakubu
Following a prolonged battles between the “Time Is Now Political Camp in PDP” and the Legacy Group—the founding fathers of the APC in Plateau State, led by Distinguished Senator Simon Bako Lalong, KSM.
His Excellency, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December 2025.
This defection, a fierce battle ensued between the two major political factions in the state. This conflict was over his acceptance into the APC, alongside his loyalists. But the dust quickly settled with the Governor’s victory during the party primaries which he emerged victorious.
Additionally, leading up to the 2027 party primary elections, Plateau State witnessed the sudden emergence of ethnic-based political movements.
This trend is particularly prominent in the Plateau North Senatorial District, where minority groups have voiced concerns about systemic marginalization. Consequently, these tribes formed the Plateau North Equity Project (PNEP) among others to challenge prolonged political exclusion by the dominant Berom ethnic group.
PNEP, during a Press conference on the June 25, 2026, stated that, “As the APC looks ahead to the 2027 general elections, it must confront a critical question: Can a party truly thrive when its most loyal supporters are consistently denied meaningful representation?
The answer to this question may well determine not only the future of the APC in Plateau North but also the strength and unity of the party across Plateau State”.
With preparations for the 2027 general elections underway, political coalitions like the PNEP remain deeply concerned.
They have unanimously demanded that Governor Caleb Mutfwang cede the Deputy Governorship position to the Legacy Group.
As the founding fathers of the Plateau APC, this inclusion ensures they have a meaningful stake in the 2027 reelection campaign.
The equitable distribution of political offices is the solution to rising agitations that could threaten the APC’s ability to reclaim the Government House.
Furthermore, it is demoralizing to see those who once sought to add value to the party now orchestrate a process that excludes loyal communities that originally championed and sustained the APC.
Home to over 50 ethnic groups, Plateau State thrives on a shared heritage and immense cultural depth.
The Northern Senatorial Zone alone represents a complex mosaic of more than 20 tribes across its 6 LGAs.
There are indications that Governor Mutfwang intends to retain Deputy Governor Piyo for the 2027 campaign.
This decision has met with significant feedback from various communities in the Northern zone who are calling for broader representation in the state’s highest offices.
Governor Mutfwang’s insistence on keeping Josephine Piyo on the 2027 ticket defies political logic. By selecting a Deputy Governor from the same ward as the area’s Senator, he shuts out more than 20 ethnic groups and five entire local government areas, depriving them of any stake in the upcoming administration.
Ironically, year after year, election data shows this community remains one of the APC’s strongest critics at the ballot box.
In conclusion, therefore, it is rather surprising that the leadership of the Legacy Group—Distinguished Senator Simon Lalong, Professor Nentawe, Rt. Honourable Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, and Rt. Honourable Idris Maje Wase—has distanced itself from the selection of the next Deputy Governor in the Northern zone.
Consequently, loyalists of the group, particularly among minority tribes in Plateau North, accuse Professor Nentawe and Senator Lalong of abandoning them.
They feel the leaders have secured personal political gains ahead of the 2027 elections.
The public is prepared to spring a surprise if the plight of marginalized ethnic minorities in the Plateau North Senatorial zone is ignored.
