Jos, Plateau State — December 10, 2025.
The Youth in Politics group in Plateau State has raised alarm over what it describes as a “dangerous political narrative” aimed at excluding the Ngas ethnic group from contesting the 2027 governorship election. The group made its position known during a world press conference held at Great Links Hotel in Jos on Wednesday.
Reading the statement on behalf of the group, Convener Comrade Golu Nenfort warned that attempts to push the Ngas ethnic group out of the governorship race amount to what he termed “political genocide,” arguing that such divisive tactics threaten the unity and stability of Plateau State.
Nenfort described the circulating narrative as a calculated attempt by “selfish individuals” to suppress the political aspirations of a major ethnic group under the guise of protecting the interests of the Mwaghavul nation. He accused some political actors of Mwaghavul extraction of promoting the exclusionary rhetoric and said the group would “name and shame” those responsible if the trend continues.
The group dismissed claims that the Ngas should not produce the next governor because one of their sons, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, currently serves as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to Nenfort, the argument is “fundamentally flawed,” noting that the position is national in scope and not equivalent to holding political control within the state.
He argued that the Mwaghavul ethnic group currently occupies the most influential elected positions in Plateau Central: Governor: Caleb Mutfwang (PDP), Senator, Plateau Central: Diket Plang (APC), Member, House of Representatives (Mangu/Bokkos): Dr. Ishaya Lalu
Nenfort said this concentration of power has not led to calls for their exclusion, adding that applying a different standard to the Ngas is unjust and inconsistent with Plateau’s long history of balancing power among diverse ethnic groups.
Addressing the ongoing political turbulence in the state, including internal PDP disputes and recent defections, the group maintained that every Plateau citizen holds the constitutional right to contest for governor.
“The governorship seat belongs to all Plateau citizens,” Nenfort said. “Leadership should be decided by competence, vision, and the will of the people, not ethnic arithmetic.”
The Youth in Politics group urged the Ngas Development Association and the Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives (PIDAN) to discourage growing ethnic-based political rhetoric. According to them, allowing such narratives to fester could sow seeds of long-term discord.
They emphasized that the future of the state depends on inclusion and equal political opportunity for all ethnic groups.
Nenfort concluded by insisting that Plateau State can only progress when all groups feel represented and valued.
“Let every Plateau son and daughter, including the Ngas, step forward based on merit and vision,” he said.
