By Jonathan Mayor | Political Analyst.
On the Plateau, the battle lines for 2027 are already being drawn — not just between parties, but within them.
What began as whispers has now spilled into public view: an alleged political realignment involving key APC leaders and PDP figures that has triggered fresh concerns over Governor *Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s* re-election prospects and President *Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s* standing in the state.
At the heart of the storm is the increasingly visible closeness between *Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda*, National Chairman of the APC, and *Chief Kefas Ropshik Kefiano*, the PDP’s 2023 governorship candidate and a frontline contender for 2027.
*When APC’s National Chairman Meets PDP’s Flagbearer*
The optics have fueled speculation. Chief Kefiano was a prominent guest at Prof. Nentawe’s 58th birthday colloquium in Jos. Weeks later, both were seen together at the Polo Tournament hosted by the Nasarawa State Governor at the Jos Polo Club.
For political observers, such repeated engagements between the APC’s top national officer and the PDP’s leading opposition figure in Plateau go beyond courtesy.
“Why is the APC National Chairman maintaining such closeness with the face of the opposition in his own state? The people are asking what arrangement is being made,” a senior stakeholder in Jos queried.
Compounding the concern, supporters of Prof. Nentawe, particularly within the Ngas constituency, have intensified criticism of the Mutfwang administration on social and traditional media, alleging “underperformance in 3 years.” Many say the narrative mirrors opposition talking points.
*One Party, Two Camps: ‘Mutfwang Group’ vs ‘Legacy Group’*
The crisis has exposed what many now call “two APCs” on the Plateau:
1. *The Mutfwang Group* – aligned with the incumbent governor and his administration’s agenda of infrastructure, peace-building and inclusive governance.
2. *The Legacy Group* – comprising key APC figures including Prof. Nentawe, *Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi*, and former Governor *Sen. Simon Bako Lalong*.
The “Legacy” tag is widely understood as a reference to the 2015-2023 Lalong administration, which many voters rejected at the polls over claims of unfulfilled promises and poor governance.
Sources allege the Legacy Group is uncomfortable with a second term for Mutfwang and is exploring alliances across party lines to stop him in 2027. While some claim the target is to back Chief Kefiano, others mention Yilchini Bida, as part of the calculated plans against governor Mutfwang even the candidacy of ADC General John Sura Retd. is to crack the votes of Mangu Local Government against Mutfwang to give advantage to Kefiano.
These remain allegations that could not be independently verified. Attempts to reach Prof. Nentawe, Hon. Gagdi, and Sen. Lalong for comment were unsuccessful as of press time.
“The division is real and it is dangerous,” a Jos-based analyst said. “If the Legacy Group is not working for the sitting governor elected on the APC platform, then the question is: whose interest are they serving?”
*A Mandate Born from Protest, A Fear of Reversal*
Governor Mutfwang’s 2023 victory was widely viewed as a protest vote against the Lalong years, driven by frustration over insecurity, abandoned projects, and governance gaps.
Three years on, his administration points to renewed infrastructure drive, peace initiatives, and efforts to “restore the lost glory of Plateau” — a style many compare to the eras of *Chief Joseph Gomwalk* and *Sen. Jonah David Jang*.
“Plateau people will not watch the mandate they gave be taken away through backdoor politics,” a civil society leader in Jos said. “The governor has not disappointed them.”
*2027 Stakes Go Beyond Plateau*
Insiders warn the internal rift could have national implications. They argue that many Plateau voters supported President Tinubu in 2023 largely on the strength of Mutfwang’s candidacy and goodwill.
“If there is a perception of an internal coup against Mutfwang, the protest vote of 2023 could be repeated in 2027 — only this time it may hurt the President,” a political strategist warned.
*Calls for Presidential Intervention*
Amid the rising tension, voices across the state are calling on President Tinubu to intervene and call party stakeholders to order. The demand: ensure party unity, protect the people’s mandate, and prevent anti-party activities ahead of 2027.
“Mr. President must act before Plateau burns politically. This is not about personalities. It is about democracy and the will of the people,” a community leader said.
*What Next for Plateau?*
As 2027 approaches, Plateau voters say they are watching closely. They remember 2015. They remember 2023. And they insist that 2027 will be decided by performance, not secret deals.
Whether the alleged Nentawe-Kefiano closeness is political strategy, reconciliation, or something else, the unfolding events are already reshaping the political landscape of the state.
For now, the storm is here — and it is testing the soul of Plateau politics.
_The writer is an investigative journalist, public affairs commentator, and political analyst._
