About nine months after Plateau State was left with no representation at the Federal Executive Council, President Bola Tinubu eventually announced the choice of the All Progressives Congress, APC 2023 gubernatorial flag bearer, Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe as the Ministerial nominee from the State.

The appointment, which came as an answered prayer to both the appointee and his supporters, is, however, raising questions about the future of the APC in the State.

The Party has seen Nentawe’s appointment as “an honour to whom honour is due.” The Acting Publicity Secretary of the Party, Shittu Bamaiyi said the appointment is a reward and recognition for loyalty, and hard work and stressed, “the epoch-making appointment is well deserved, and also seen as an honor not only to Dr Nentawe alone, but the entire APC family as well as people of Plateau State.”

But the question is, can Nentawe use his new position to galvanize support for the Party and ginger it for a better political outing in the coming years?

Recall that the Party has suffered in the past due to a leadership deficit that had cost its political fortunes in the State; many stalwarts had left its fold, leaving the Party with internal squabbles that threatens its existence in Plateau.

An APC source who spoke anonymously agreed that “former Governor Simon Lalong damaged the Party in many ways, shaking its foundation in the Plateau.”

The source, while expressing happiness at the choice of Nentawe, also expressed fear about what lies ahead for the Party.

According to the source, “Dariye came on board and left with his supporters, Jang came and left still having people loyal to him. Lalong damaged the APC in many ways and is now almost a loner. With the coming on board of Nentawe as the Minister, the loyalty of the few to Lalong will be split between him and Nentawe. It is left to be seen how they would manage the Party and bolster the confidence of members.”

The source also agreed that “For now, Governor Caleb Mutfwang is doing well and strengthening his Party, the People’s Democratic Party. Unless he slips, it will be difficult for the APC to gain ground in the next elections. So, the expectations on Nentawe are very high; if he fails to meet them, the failure would further damage the Party and its lot on the Plateau.”

However, expectations or not, at the moment Plateau State is happy with the appointment and only hopes Nentawe uses the opportunity for the good of the State.

count | 16

Plateau Politics: How Can Lalong Retain His Followers as Plateau Gets Minister?