APC Chair Nentawe, still bitter over 2023 defeat – Group

By Kingsley Chukwuka

19 November 2025

Politics

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, has come under heavy criticism for always making a derogatory statement against Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

With his latest comments of unseating Governor Mutfwang in the 2027 governorship election, shows that he is yet to embrace the reality of defeat which he suffered in the 2023 guber election, a group under the aegis of Vanguard for Plateau First said.

Speaking in a statement, Spokesman for the Group, Comrade Ibrahim Ropshak reminded the Nentawe that he is now the National Chairman of a Party and therefore choose his words wisely based on building his political party rather than fighting a performing Governor whose influence has continued to soar in the State.

“Stop allowing emotions, particularly resentment over the 2023 outcome to influence your conduct and public statements in your capacity as National Chairman.

“Your commitment during the reception of so-called decampees last Saturday is an empty pride and the political realities in Plateau State does not support such claims”, Ropshak said.

He reminded the APC Chairman that Governor Mutfwang, who at the time had comparatively limited political structures, was still able to defeat him in 2023 despite Prof. Nentawe’s extensive backing from both national and state government machinery. According to Ropshak, this would make a 2027 contest even more challenging for Prof. Nentawe, particularly in light of what he called the governor’s “outstanding performance” within less than 30 months in office.

The group further urged Nentawe to demonstrate true statesmanship through his comments, comportment, and actions, rather than reducing the esteemed office of National Chairman to the level of a “local champion,” a posture Ropshak warned could cast him as a “serial failure.”

He noted that many who had underestimated Governor Mutfwang in 2023 have since been proven wrong by the governor’s steady leadership, strategic policy direction, grassroots engagement, and visible development projects across rural communities, achievements that have earned him widespread admiration, even among individuals who did not originally support him.

Ropshak also dismissed as “child’s play” the alleged political maneuvers aimed at preventing Governor Mutfwang from joining the APC, insisting that the governor’s performance and political goodwill are strong enough to guarantee his re-election on any party platform in 2027.