A governorship aspirant in Plateau State, Commander Yilchin Jan Bida, rtd, has expressed confidence that he would defeat Governor Caleb Mutfwang in a free and fair primary election ahead of the 2027 polls.
Bida, who declared his intention to contest in the forthcoming primaries scheduled for Thursday, said he was fully prepared for the race and not merely joining to make up the numbers.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, he said, “I am fully committed to contesting in the primaries, I am not just in the race to add to the number; I have a clear programme and vision for Plateau State.”
The aspirant disclosed that his campaign has already unveiled a development blueprint tagged the “LIGHT Agenda,” which he described as a comprehensive, cross-sectoral plan aimed at transforming governance in the state.
According to him, the agenda is built around measurable outcomes, resource planning, and a “covenant with the people” to ensure accountability and people-oriented leadership.
Bida said security remains a top priority under his plan, noting that improving infrastructure, particularly rural roads and telecommunications, would enhance rapid response to security challenges.
He lamented that many rural communities in Plateau State lack access to mobile network coverage and motorable roads, thereby hindering effective security operations.
“One of the key factors in tackling insecurity is response time. If security agencies cannot access affected areas quickly, lives and property are put at greater risk,” he said.
He pledged to ensure 100 per cent mobile network coverage across the state and to open up rural communities through the construction of accessible roads and bridges.
On infrastructure, Bida revealed that his administration would target spending no less than N1 trillion over four years to improve productivity, including constructing at least 40 kilometres of roads in each of the 17 local government areas.
He stressed that development would not be limited to urban centres but extended to rural communities, adding that “Plateau is not just about the state capital, but every local government and community.”
The governorship hopeful also raised concerns over what he described as inadequate investment in human capital development, particularly in the education sector.
Citing budgetary figures, he argued that the state has not demonstrated sufficient commitment to improving education, warning that failure to invest in human capital could undermine the future competitiveness of Plateau youths.
He said his administration would prioritise education, healthcare, and community development as key pillars for building a resilient and productive population.
Bida further pledged to promote local enterprise development and create opportunities that would harness the entrepreneurial potential of Plateau residents.
