A prominent political support group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State, operating under the banner Vanguard for Plateau First, has called on the National Chairman of the party, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, to rise above the bitterness of his 2023 governorship defeat and concentrate on the critical task of repositioning the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a press statement issued in Jos and signed by its spokesperson, Comrade Ibrahim Ropshak, the group cautioned Prof. Nentawe against allowing emotions, particularly resentment over the 2023 outcome, to influence his conduct and public statements in his capacity as National Chairman.

Ropshak faulted Prof. Nentawe’s recent remarks, in which he boasted of his ability to unseat Governor Caleb Mutfwang in 2027 during a reception for decampees last Saturday. He described the comments as “empty pride,” arguing that the political realities in Plateau State do not support such claims.

He reminded the APC Chairman that Governor Mutfwang, who at the time had comparatively limited political structures, was still able to defeat him in 2023 despite Prof. Nentawe’s extensive backing from both national and state government machinery. According to Ropshak, this would make a 2027 contest even more challenging for Prof. Nentawe, particularly in light of what he called the governor’s “outstanding performance” within less than 30 months in office.

The group further urged Prof. Nentawe to demonstrate true statesmanship through his comments, comportment, and actions, rather than reducing the esteemed office of National Chairman to the level of a “local champion,” a posture Ropshak warned could cast him as a “serial failure.”

He noted that many who had underestimated Governor Mutfwang in 2023 have since been proven wrong by the governor’s steady leadership, strategic policy direction, grassroots engagement, and visible development projects across rural communities, achievements that have earned him widespread admiration, even among individuals who did not originally support him.

Ropshak also dismissed as “child’s play” the alleged political maneuvers aimed at preventing Governor Mutfwang from joining the APC, insisting that the governor’s performance and political goodwill are strong enough to guarantee his re-election on any party platform in 2027.