Gazum Fanap By Luka Retle Kumbet, Jos
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, on Wednesday inaugurated the Plateau State Chapter of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, a grassroots support group mobilizing for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
The inauguration, held at the Langfield Event Centre, Little Rayfield, Jos, also featured the commissioning of 25 vehicles donated by the Grand Patron of the Movement, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, to strengthen grassroots mobilisation across the state.
Speaking at the event, Governor Mutfwang declared his support for President Tinubu, saying his conviction was formed after a personal meeting with the President shortly after the 2023 general elections.
“I made up my mind that this was the President to travel with even when I was not in the same party with him. I saw a man who is committed to making Nigeria better,” the Governor stated.
He acknowledged the economic and security challenges confronting the country, but maintained that the Federal Government has taken steps towards addressing them, urging Nigerians to exercise patience as the ongoing reforms gather momentum.
“Yes, we are not there yet. There are challenges in the country, and we will not deny them. But definitely, we are on the road to making things right,” he said.
On security, Governor Mutfwang commended President Tinubu for the support extended to Plateau State, expressing confidence that collaboration between the Federal and State Governments would strengthen efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore lasting peace.
He cited ongoing federal interventions in infrastructure, particularly the proposed dualisation of the Mararaban Jama’a–Mangu–Pankshin–Langtang–Shendam corridor, extending across River Ibi, as evidence of the administration’s commitment to addressing long-standing development concerns in the state.
According to him, a technical team from the Federal Ministry of Works is already in Plateau State undertaking preliminary technical work on the road project, expressing optimism that necessary details would be concluded before the end of the year.
He said the project represents a significant intervention for communities that have endured decades of inadequate road infrastructure, adding that the planned dualisation and associated safety features would improve connectivity and support economic activities.
Governor Mutfwang urged members of the movement to intensify grassroots engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections, announcing that Plateau State would host President Tinubu on November 14, 2026, for a major rally at the Zaria Road Stadium.
“We are going to show the world that Plateau people are in love with President Tinubu, and we have every reason to show that love because he has demonstrated it towards us,” he said.
He charged members of the movement to mobilise 50 persons each for the rally, describing the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement as more than a campaign support group and noting that its grassroots approach reflected the mobilisation strategy employed during the 2023 elections.
He called on beneficiaries of the donated vehicles to use them responsibly.
“Those who have been given the opportunity to use those vehicles, please use them responsibly and make sure you do not bring us to shame,” he cautioned.
Earlier, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, called for coordinated support for the party’s candidates at all levels, stressing the importance of aligning presidential, senatorial and House of Representatives elections as well as supporting governorship and State House of Assembly campaigns.
Yilwatda said the party was committed to strengthening security and infrastructure in Plateau State, pointing to federal interventions in security deployment, forest guard training and road construction as areas of collaboration between the state and the Federal Government.
In his remarks, the Grand Patron of the Movement, High Chief Ekpemupolo, said President Tinubu has demonstrated commitment and love for Nigeria, describing his economic reforms as a process requiring patience and sustained commitment, with benefits gradually improving livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities.
He emphasized the importance of grassroots communication, calling on members to take the movement’s message to local governments, wards, polling units, markets, churches and households.
The leadership of the group had earlier paid a courtesy visit to Governor Mutfwang in his office at Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, where both parties expressed strong commitment to mobilise massive support for the President and other candidates of the APC.
The event, which was attended by APC leaders, political stakeholders and members of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, was rounded off with the commissioning of the 25 vehicles, marking a significant logistical boost for the movement’s door-to-door mobilisation across Plateau State.
