2027: Plateau voters, not outsiders, will choose next governor, says Plang

Senator Diket Plang (APC-Plateau Central) has warned politicians against attempting to influence or determine who becomes governor of Plateau State in the 2027 election from outside the state.

Mr Plang said the people of Plateau must be allowed to freely choose their governor, arguing that allowing external political interests to dictate the outcome would undermine the state’s political independence and its leadership role in the Middle Belt.

The senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Employment, Labour and Productivity, made the remarks in Jos while responding to questions on political developments ahead of the 2027 elections.

“It will be unfair for anybody to think that somebody somewhere can decide who will be governor for us. Then we will lose our honour; we will lose our leadership in the region,” Mr Plang said.

He urged political stakeholders, traditional leaders and residents to ensure that the 2027 election reflects the choice of Plateau voters and that elected officials remain accountable to the people.

“Somebody should not be standing here and feel that someone will make him a leader outside Plateau,” he said.

Mr Plang also warned politicians against what he described as over-ambitious political claims, saying voters would punish those who approach the electorate with arrogance or disrespect.

When asked whether his comments were directed at the Nyesom Wike-led Rainbow Coalition, which has been involved in opposition political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, Mr Plang said he was not familiar with the group.

“I don’t even know about Rainbow Coalition. I don’t even know what’s happening about Rainbow Coalition,” he said.

He maintained, however, that any politician who believes the leadership of Plateau can be determined by interests outside the state would be making a serious political miscalculation.

Mr Plang also expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would win a second term in 2027, describing the administration’s policies as “futuristic.”

He said the difficulties associated with the early phase of the administration should not necessarily be interpreted as failure, likening them to the challenges governors often face at the beginning of their tenure.

The senator dismissed the emerging opposition alliances against Mr Tinubu as a collection of competing regional and ethnic interests, arguing that the groups would struggle to maintain a united front as the election approaches.

On the wider conduct of the 2027 elections, Mr Plang identified security, electoral preparedness and political conduct as key conditions for a credible process.

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He said insecurity must be addressed to enable citizens to participate freely. At the same time, the Independent National Electoral Commission must ensure adequate electoral materials and logistics to strengthen confidence in the process.

He also urged politicians to campaign peacefully and avoid language that could deepen divisions among communities.

“There are three critical requirements for a successful election,” Mr Plang said, identifying security, a transparent electoral process and responsible political conduct.

He said Nigerian voters had become increasingly politically conscious and would not hesitate to reject politicians they consider arrogant or disrespectful at the polls.