By Admin.
Political tension is mounting in Plateau State over what many analysts and stakeholders describe as an emerging “internal coup” aimed at derailing Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s bid for re-election in 2027. The deepening rift between the so-called Legacy group and the Mutfwang camp is increasingly dominating political discourse across the state.
Observers say the growing exchange of accusations and political realignments between the two factions reflects a troubling divide at a time when Plateau continues to grapple with insecurity, land grabbing, and communal attacks, which many have described as ethnic cleansing.
Rather than presenting a united front to address these pressing challenges, political leaders appear to be increasingly focused on calculations ahead of the 2027 elections.
The controversy gathered momentum following a series of public appearances by former Plateau People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Chief Kefas Ropshik Kefiano, alongside All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda. The latest appearance was at the Jos Polo Field during a tournament organized in honour of Professor Yilwatda by Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule.
Kefiano’s presence at the All Progressives Congress (APC)-associated event has fueled widespread political speculation.
Sources within the PDP’s Wike faction allege that behind-the-scenes negotiations are ongoing between Kefiano and the APC National Chairman. Political commentators argue that, if the allegations are true, such an alliance could represent a calculated strategy to weaken Governor Mutfwang’s political base ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The political division has also spilled over into Plateau’s National Assembly politics. The latest flashpoint involves Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, who is perceived by some observers as aligned with the Mutfwang camp, and Dr. John Tongshinen Gozhak, who is challenging Gagdi’s victory for the Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency seat.
The tension intensified after returning officers from Pankshin, Kanke, and Kanam held a world press conference at Great Links Hotel Gold and Base. During the briefing, they alleged that they had been offered attractive appointments in Governor Mutfwang’s administration in exchange for signing a declaration stating that the election did not take place. The press conference was widely viewed as an act of whistleblowing and drew strong reactions from Gagdi’s supporters.
Allegations have also continued to circulate that APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, is working against Governor Mutfwang’s second-term ambition. Although the claims remain a subject of political debate, they have dominated conversations across Plateau in recent months, with many observers suggesting that “all is not well” within the state’s political establishment.
The perceived rift became even more apparent during Governor Mutfwang’s third anniversary celebration in office. Several prominent political figures associated with the Legacy group, including Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, former Governor Senator Simon Bako Lalong, and Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, were conspicuously absent. Former Governor Senator Jonah David Jang was also not in attendance.
For many stakeholders, the absence of these key political figures went beyond a matter of protocol. It was widely interpreted as a strong indication of the widening political divide among influential leaders in Plateau State.
The development has attracted criticism, particularly because both Governor Mutfwang and the APC National Chairman hail from Plateau State and the same senatorial zone. Rather than strengthening the state’s political influence at the national level, many observers argue that the growing divisions amount to political betrayal rather than collaboration.
Civil society groups and political analysts have warned that the escalating feud is unhealthy for democracy in a state already burdened by persistent security challenges. They argue that political leaders should prioritize unity in addressing banditry, displacement, and other pressing issues instead of becoming consumed by the politics of 2027.
Amid the controversy, calls have intensified for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene. Stakeholders are urging the President to encourage dialogue among political leaders and ensure that internal political disagreements do not undermine governance or destabilize Plateau State as preparations for the next general elections gather pace.
