Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang have urged residents of the state to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Gatekeepers News reports that they made the call on Wednesday in Jos during the inauguration of the state and local government structures of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, where 25 campaign vehicles and other mobilisation materials were unveiled.
Ekpemupolo, the movement’s grand patron, was represented at the event by Kestin Pondi, managing director of Tantita Security Services Limited.
Speaking on behalf of Ekpemupolo, Pondi urged Plateau residents to support Tinubu for a second term, describing him as a courageous leader committed to reforming Nigeria.
He said the administration’s reforms required patience, expressing optimism that their benefits would gradually translate into increased investment, employment opportunities and economic growth.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a courageous man, a lover of country and a reformer. He is reforming the country and reforms as we all know take time,” he said.
“It is a gradual process and with time, it will trickle down to all our countrymen and women. Today, governors are paying salaries and on time, projects are being executed by governors, more investors are coming into our country, unlike before when no investments were coming in.
“Investments bring employment and when this happens, there is the trickle-down effect. The situation we are in at the moment is like planting a seed. When you plant, it germinates and then brings forth fruits and all these require patience but the results are inevitable.”
Also speaking, Yilwatda called on Plateau residents to vote for Tinubu in 2027, saying the president had demonstrated commitment to addressing insecurity and promoting development in the state.
The APC national chairman cited the deployment of Department of State Services (DSS) personnel to Bokkos, Riyom and other communities as evidence of the federal government’s efforts to tackle insecurity.
“Re-elect the president and governor and all others on the ticket of the APC. Mr. President is a friend of the Plateau. No president has stood with us as President Tinubu,” he said.
He added that Tinubu had directed the establishment and deployment of additional military brigades and battalions, alongside more security personnel, to strengthen security operations in the state.
“So you know, he has deployed the DSS to Bokkos, to Riyom and other areas to address the issue of insecurity. This is the president taking practical steps on security. He has directed the establishment and deployment of more brigades and battalions and more men on the ground,” Yilwatda said.
On the proposed establishment of state police, he said the State Police Bill was close to passage, expressing optimism that the initiative would strengthen community-based security.
“The implication is that police will be from Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Kanke and from our communities. Nobody can come from outside and kill us like chickens. Criminals will be fished out and dealt with,” he said.
On infrastructure, Yilwatda said the dualisation of the Akwanga-Jos Road was ongoing, while other projects, including the Mararaba-Jerma-Shendam-Pankshin route, were also being considered.
In his remarks, Mutfwang commended Ekpemupolo for supporting the movement and called for a return to the door-to-door mobilisation strategy adopted during the 2023 elections.
The governor said he decided in June 2023 to support Tinubu, whom he described as a leader steering Nigeria in the right direction.
He also expressed support for the federal government’s economic policies, urging Nigerians to remain patient while the reforms take effect.
“We will not change our driver now. The driver you know is better, let’s stick with him,” Mutfwang said.
The governor further advocated the continuation of the power-sharing arrangement between northern and southern Nigeria, urging political leaders to honour existing commitments.
Mutfwang expressed confidence that Plateau State would deliver the highest number of votes for Tinubu in the region during the 2027 presidential election.
