The Plateau PDP Patriotic Frontiers (PPF), a united front of concerned Plateau State indigenes dedicated to the welfare and progress of our great state, has called on former Governor, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, the 22 members of the State House of Assembly under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as other opposition politicians to consider joining the PDP if they want to be relevant in the state.
The PPF, in a press statement on Thursday, said the PDP is willing to accept any politician who is willing to retrace his steps and come back to the party and contribute meaningfully to the ‘Time Is Now’ mantra of the Gov. Caleb Mutfwang administration.
“We remain vigilant and committed to shaping the political landscape of Plateau, ensuring a brighter future for all.
“We urge the 22 APC members of the Plateau State House of Assembly, whose 15 seats were affirmed by the courts rather than the people’s mandate, to re-evaluate their allegiance,” the PPF said.
“Similarly, we call upon the Senatorial seat holder of Plateau Southern zone, who generated his mandate from the Appeal Court, to consider the will of the people.
“Senator Simon Bako Lalong, former Plateau State governor and current senator representing Plateau South, is at a crossroads.
“Despite his court-ordered appointment to the senatorial seat, rather than a people’s mandate, we believed his only viable option is to join the Peoples Democratic Party to remain relevant or remain baseless.
“Lalong’s 2023 senatorial election win was courtesy of a Court of Appeal ruling, not the people’s vote. This perceived lack of legitimacy earned him the label ”
‘Court of Appeal Senator.’
“His defeat in the presidential election, where he served as President Tinubu’s campaign director, further underscores his uncertain political future.
“Rt. Hon. Idris Maje Wase, representative of Wase Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, is a prominent figure in Plateau State’s political landscape.
“Despite his power, Alhaji Dayyabu Dauda, Secretary to the Muslim Pilgrims Board, has made significant strides in Wase, successfully winning over more than half of the populace to the PDP. This leaves Honourable Wase and others to contend for the remaining support.
“Senator Diket Plang, representing Plateau Central, has been criticized for lacking commitment to delivering on his mandate, even in his own polling unit.
“His success is attributed, in part, to the backing of former Governor Simon Bako Lalong and Rt. Hon. Babayo Yusuf Adamu Gagdi.
“However, it’s worth noting that Senator Plang’s rise to power may have been influenced by the absence of competition from Rt. Hon. Saleh Shehu Yipmong, who was not allowed to contest the 2023 Plateau Central Senatorial Seat.
“It appears that Senator Plang’s path to victory was paved by the support of influential figures like former Governor Lalong, which was also utilized by Babayo Yusuf Adamu Gagdi and others.
“Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, the distinguished member representing Pankshin, Kanke, and Kanam Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, has begun his second tenure amidst controversy.
“His re-election puzzled the people of Kanke LGA, who felt misled by his campaign promises. Specifically, he vowed to secure the Plateau State Government House seat for their son, even swearing on his father’s grave to emphasize his commitment.
“However, this promise appears to have been a mere tactic, which his associates failed to grasp until he successfully executed his plan.
“Gagdi’s once-solid support base has crumbled, losing the backing of Governor Lalong, Commissioners from Pankshin, Kanke, and Kanam, Council Chairmen, Councillors, and traditional rulers from PKK.
“His defeat in the Local Government Chairmanship election on October 9, 2024, was a significant blow, as he lost to the PDP at his own polling unit in Gagdi. This loss has reportedly left him restless.
“Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi’s political future hangs in the balance due to allegations of deception, including unfulfilled pledges, fake job promises to constituents, and projects that exist only on paper.
“His support base in Pankshin, Kanke, and Kanam LGAs has seemingly shifted allegiance to the PDP, further complicating his political prospects.
“With Lalong no longer in office and Governor Mutfwang at the helm, Gagdi’s political landscape has become increasingly uncertain. His once-solid structure appears to have crumbled, leaving him without a strong foundation to build upon.
“Gagdi’s reputation as a lawmaker, known for his fake commitment to education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, seems to be at odds with the allegations of deception.
“His ability to navigate this challenging political terrain and regain the trust of his constituents will be crucial in determining his future in politics.
“The 24 members of the APC, YPP, and LP in the Plateau State House of Assembly are urged to join the PDP and support Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s administration, embracing the “Time is Now” mantra.
“Notably, 22 APC members are aware that their positions weren’t secured through genuine popular support, casting doubt on their re-election prospects by 2027.
“The legitimacy of these 22 members is questionable, as they lack the people’s mandate. In contrast, the remaining members from YPP and LP are reminded that Plateau State has historically been a PDP stronghold.
“The PDP’s dominance is evident in the state’s political landscape, where they have consistently maintained a significant presence.
“The Northern Senatorial Zone, as well as the Jos-South/Jos-East Federal Constituency and Jos-North/Bassa Federal Constituency, are now considered off-limits to Senator Pam Mwadkom Dachungyang, Honourable Ajang Alfred Ilia, and Honourable Asama Daniel.
“Initially, these individuals were seen as crucial allies, but Honourable Ajang Alfred Ilia’s shocking defection to the All Progressive Congress (APC) has been perceived as a betrayal.
“Ilia’s decision to join the APC may have severe consequences for his political career and relationships with his former constituents.
“Notably, his initial election to the Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency was made possible by the Labour Party, following a tribunal ruling that invalidated the election of Musa Bagos of the PDP.
“The Plateau PDP Patriotic Frontiers are urging National Assembly members from Plateau State to join the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and align themselves with Governor Mutfwang’s “Time is Now” movement.
“This call to action stresses the importance of remaining relevant in Plateau’s political landscape, lest they risk becoming obsolete and losing their national influence.
“By joining the PDP, these National Assembly members can ensure their continued relevance and effectiveness in representing the interests of Plateau State.
“Governor Mutfwang’s “Time is Now” movement offers a compelling vision for the state’s future, and aligning with this movement can provide a sense of purpose and direction for these lawmakers.
“The group is urging concerned individuals to join the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to remain relevant in Plateau State’s political landscape and national politics.
“Alternatively, they can choose to stay in the All Progressive Congress (APC) and risk becoming insignificant. This call to action is clear, but not obligatory, and only time will reveal the outcome. For those who decide to join the PDP, the message is simple: “Time is Now.”
