President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring lasting peace in Plateau State, rebuilding communities affected by violence and expanding economic opportunities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He gave the assurance on Saturday while flagging off the All Progressives Congress (APC) North Central Presidential Campaign at the 60,000-capacity Zaria Road Stadium in Jos.
Addressing party leaders, governors, stakeholders and thousands of supporters from across the six states of the North Central region, the President commended Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his efforts towards restoring peace and stability, stressing that unity remained essential to development.
Recalling his previous visit to the state, Tinubu expressed sympathy with families who lost loved ones and communities devastated by violence.
He assured internally displaced persons (IDPs) that the Federal Government would collaborate with the Plateau State Government to rebuild affected communities and facilitate their safe return.
“When I came here previously, I saw devastation and received reports of enormous suffering. Today, we are seeing the benefits of unity and harmony.
“We are one family created by God, despite our different languages and backgrounds. We must continue to live together, farm together and build this country together.
“We have to build this Plateau and this country together,” he said.
The President disclosed that 1,000 forest guards had been trained to strengthen grassroots security, while surveillance cameras procured by the Federal Government would support early warning systems, intelligence gathering and rapid security responses.
He also pledged to work with Governor Mutfwang to upgrade Jos Airport into a cargo airport to facilitate the export of agricultural produce, particularly vegetables and potatoes, to international markets.
In his remarks, Vice President Kashim Shettima described Tinubu as a courageous and transformational leader, commending his willingness to take difficult decisions in addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Shettima urged the people of Plateau State and the North Central region to support Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, describing leadership as the ability to make difficult decisions while remaining responsive to the needs of the people.
Earlier, Governor Mutfwang described Plateau as a historic centre of Nigeria’s democratic journey, recalling its significance in the nomination of the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola in 1993 and other defining moments in the country’s political history.
He appreciated the Federal Government for its interventions in road infrastructure, education and healthcare, particularly the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), through which Plateau students in tertiary institutions have accessed more than ₦11 billion in educational support.
The Governor also acknowledged Federal Government approval of the Akwanga–Jos and Jos–Shendam–Ebi road projects, describing them as strategic investments in the state’s economic development and connectivity.
Mutfwang highlighted his administration’s initiatives to expand employment opportunities and technological innovation, including a digital employment hub designed to provide remote work opportunities for 2,000 young people and a technology hub aimed at strengthening security through improved crime detection.
He appealed to Tinubu to support the resettlement of internally displaced persons and facilitate the completion of the Jos Township Stadium, which he said had remained unfinished for about four decades.
The Governor also sought Federal Government intervention in completing the Zaria Road Stadium to enable the state to attract and host international sporting events.
Declaring Plateau State’s support for Tinubu’s re-election, Mutfwang said, “The time has come and the time is now. By the grace of God, we are going to show our gratitude come the 16th of January 2027.”
He described the President’s economic reforms as having moved Nigeria from the intensive care unit to the recovery room, expressing optimism that sustained implementation would deliver greater prosperity.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari Abubakar, expressed confidence in the APC’s prospects in the North Central region, citing the administration’s policies, infrastructure investments and commitment to national security.
The APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, presented party flags to the party’s governorship candidates across the North Central states, including Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger, Reverend Hyacinth Alia of Benue and Wadada of Nasarawa State.
The presentation signalled the commencement of the party’s political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Hope Uzodimma, Chairman of the Progressive Forum, Senator Joshua Dariye, and Senator Simon Bako Lalong, representing Plateau South in the National Assembly.
The speakers called on Nigerians, particularly voters in the North Central region, to support Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
The rally attracted serving and former governors, members of the National Assembly, party leaders, traditional rulers, women, youths and supporters from across the six North Central states.
Meanwhile, Governor Mutfwang, on behalf of President Tinubu, commissioned the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Centre in Jos.
The Governor expressed confidence that the facility would expand employment opportunities, promote digital skills development, attract investment and create sustainable jobs for young people in Plateau State.
