Plateau 2027 : Rtd Army General Joins Race To Challenge Mutfwang, Calls For Credible  Primaries

Yakubu Busari

A Retired Army General, Commander YIlchini Bida Jan, has picked the nomination of interest form to challenge the incumbent Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State in the forthcoming general elections in 2027 .

The Gubernatorial aspirant on Tuesday was at the party’s Secretariat met with the State EXCO in Jos.

He promised the people of Plateau State that his campaign to rescue the state would be fair, if the exercise were to be fair, as he presented his development blueprint ahead of the APC primaries.

Addressing party officials, Bida expressed confidence in APC leadership as a party that has  “internal democracy to conduct free and fair elections for justice to reign ” adding that he expected Thursday’s primaries to reflect those values. He said his decision to contest was driven not only by his roots in Plateau Central but by a concrete plan for the state, which he described as the six-point “LIGHTS” document.

The aspirant anchored much of his points on the future of Plateau’s children, urging that every policy decision should be weighed against its long-term impact on the next generation. “We must prepare the way for those coming after us,” he said.

Bida also offered an apology to the State  EXCO for not visiting earlier, saying the delay was not out of disrespect but due to the political climate in the state. He insisted that Plateau people remain resilient in the face of crisis and intimidation, and tied that spirit to his decision to run.

“You cannot solve insecurity if you are afraid,” he told the gathering, positioning his candidacy as a proof that he was not intimidated by the challenges facing the state.

In his remarks, the State Chairman, Hon. Rufus Nature, welcomed Bida and reiterated the party’s commitment to a level playing field for all aspirants. “At no time have we shut the door to any person,” Bature said. “We want to create a level playing ground, and when a candidate emerges, we will work together to change the course of Plateau State.”

The Chairman noted that Bida speech and demeanor reflected a clear intent for the state, adding that criticism would not deter the party from being fair, honest, and tolerant.

Closing his address, Bida thanked the party structure and said he was confident that justice would prevail on Thursday, with “the best person” emerging as the party’s flag bearer.

The APC primaries for the Plateau governorship ticket are scheduled for Thursday. 

The DG Campaign of Rtd. Comdr Yillching Bida Jan. Pharm. Abel Gwatau in his closing remarks, said, “We thank State Party EXCO for allowing us to be here for them  to make their position clear for this Contest, and we pray for our Aspirant to win the Primary election in Jos, Plateau he added