2027 – Why Plateau youths, stakeholders will support Tinubu, Mutfwang – Group
JOS – The Plateau Regeneration Group, PRG, has said Plateau youths and other stakeholders have reasons to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Caleb Mutfwang ahead of the 2027 elections, citing their respective interventions in infrastructure, youth empowerment, education, agriculture, security and humanitarian development.
The group, led by Promise Yatu, said the decision to support both leaders was based on what it described as their commitment to development and the need for Plateau State to maintain a constructive relationship with the Federal Government.
Yatu, in a statement made available to newsmen in Jos on Monday , said, “Governor Mutfwang has demonstrated that governance must translate into tangible benefits for ordinary people. His administration has invested in infrastructure, education, agriculture, security and human capital development, while also creating opportunities for young people to participate meaningfully in the economy.
“His administration’s interventions include the rehabilitation and construction of roads, improvement of the Jos-Bukuru metropolis, completion of the NASCO-Abattoir flyover, revival of public transportation and the reintroduction of Jos-Abuja air services.”
“His administration has also strengthened agriculture through initiatives such as the development of agro-logistics hubs and cultivation programmes, including efforts targeted at communities affected by displacement and insecurity.”
“The education sector is receiving serious attention. The government has cleared outstanding counterpart obligations to unlock additional interventions, provided teaching and learning materials, deployed buses and digital devices and supported teacher recruitment and capacity building.”
Yatu said youth empowerment was one of the major reasons the group was backing Mutfwang, adding that the administration had increasingly focused on technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and skills development.
He said, “The governor has made it clear that Plateau youths cannot be treated merely as political supporters; they must be partners in development.”
“The emphasis on science, technology and innovation, digital opportunities and global job outsourcing demonstrates a deliberate effort to prepare young people for the future.”
“Instead of allowing young people with ideas to remain frustrated, the administration is beginning to identify their talents, provide opportunities and connect innovation with agriculture, employment and economic growth.”
Yatu cited the state’s technology advancement initiatives, including efforts to connect skilled Plateau youths with global job opportunities and the empowerment of a young Bokkos inventor to produce 200 hand tillers for agricultural use.
He said, “These are initiatives that show that youth development can go beyond political mobilisation. When young people are given skills, tools and opportunities, they become contributors to the economy and partners in the development of the state.”
On security, Yatu said, “The administration has strengthened community-based security through the revamped Operation Rainbow and other initiatives designed to improve early warning, intelligence gathering and community protection.”
“We acknowledge that insecurity remains a major challenge, but the state requires continued Federal Government support to consolidate the gains already made and create the environment necessary for development.”
Turning to President Tinubu, the group said, “Plateau has reasons to maintain a constructive relationship with the Federal Government because of its interventions in infrastructure, humanitarian assistance, security and the inclusion of Plateau indigenes in strategic national responsibilities.”
“President Tinubu has shown willingness to engage directly with Plateau stakeholders. His engagement with Plateau leaders on the security situation demonstrates the importance of cooperation between the state and Federal Governments in addressing the challenges facing our people.”
The group also highlighted the humanitarian interventions of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu in Plateau, particularly assistance provided to victims of violence.
Yatu said, “The First Lady has demonstrated compassion towards Plateau.”
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” Her Renewed Hope Initiative provided N1 billion for humanitarian interventions for victims of attacks in the state, while the Federal Government and other partners have continued to support recovery efforts.”
“At a time when many families affected by violence are struggling to rebuild their lives, humanitarian assistance of this magnitude can make a significant difference.”
The group also cited the disbursement of N1.5 billion to 1,571 verified households affected by violence in Bassa, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu, comprising N1 billion from the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative and N500 million from the Plateau State Government.”
Yatu added, “The First Lady’s support for the Gender and Public Policy Study Centre at NIPSS, Kuru, including her N250 million donation, also demonstrates attention to women’s empowerment, research and inclusive development.”
He said, “Plateau needs peace, investment, jobs, infrastructure and stronger partnerships with the Federal Government. We therefore believe that confrontation for its own sake will not serve the interest of our people.”
“Our youths need opportunities, our farmers need support, our businesses need an enabling environment and our communities need peace. These are issues that should guide the political choices of stakeholders.”
Yatu urged Plateau youths to assess political leaders on the basis of their policies, programmes and measurable impact, rather than political sentiments.”
He said, “Our support for Governor Mutfwang and President Tinubu is not a blank cheque. It is support based on what we have seen, what is being done and what we believe can still be achieved.”
“We will continue to demand accountability and encourage government to do more, particularly in the areas of security, employment, education, agriculture and youth empowerment.”
He appealed to Plateau stakeholders to place development above partisan divisions, saying, “Plateau deserves leaders who can work together across political lines for the benefit of the people.”
“Our message is simple: where government is doing well, we should acknowledge it; where more needs to be done, we should demand more.”
“We want a Plateau where young people can find opportunities at home, where displaced families can return to their ancestral communities, where businesses can thrive and where government at all levels can work together to improve the lives of citizens.”
The group said it would continue to mobilise youths and other stakeholders around peace, development, accountability and constructive engagement with government ahead of the 2027 elections.
