Philanthropist and politician, Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State after winning the party’s primary election with a landslide victory.

Ropshik secured 19,938 votes to defeat three other aspirants in what party stakeholders described as one of the most competitive and widely participated PDP governorship primaries in the state’s recent political history.

His emergence is seen as a major political breakthrough for the grassroots politician from Garram in Kanke Local Government Area, whose campaign gained momentum across the 17 local government areas of the state ahead of the exercise.

Delegates and party faithful from across Plateau participated in the primary election, which observers said reflected intense political mobilization and consultations within the party.

Speaking shortly after he was declared winner, Ropshik dedicated the victory to God and thanked party leaders, delegates, supporters and the people of Plateau State for entrusting him with the party’s governorship ticket.

He said the victory was beyond personal ambition, describing it as a collective aspiration to build a more united, peaceful and prosperous Plateau State.

“I accept this mandate with a heart full of gratitude to God Almighty, whose grace has sustained this journey from the humble soil of Garram in Kanke to this defining moment in our state’s political history,” he said.

The PDP candidate reiterated his “Plateau First” philosophy, stressing that his ambition is anchored on service, inclusiveness, accountable leadership and sustainable development.

Reflecting on his upbringing in rural Plateau, Ropshik said he understood the challenges confronting ordinary citizens and pledged to prioritise security, economic growth, youth empowerment, investment, transparent governance and social inclusion if elected governor.

“I humbly accept the nomination of our great party with gratitude and a renewed commitment to place Plateau First. This victory belongs to the people, and together we will build a united, secure and prosperous Plateau. The journey begins now,” he added.

Ropshik also publicly pledged to serve only one four-year term if elected governor, saying the decision was in line with the state’s zoning arrangement aimed at preserving peace, stability and unity.

“Keeping in line with the already laid out zoning agreement that keeps the peace, stability and unity of the Plateau people together, I intend to spend just four years in government, which by the special grace of God will usher in the impact of an eight-year administration,” he stated.

The declaration drew applause from delegates and supporters, many of whom described it as a demonstration of political discipline and commitment to fairness and inclusiveness in the state.

The governorship candidate called on other aspirants and party members to unite ahead of the general election, stressing that the primary contest was over and that the collective task of rebuilding Plateau State must now take precedence.

He also appealed for unity across ethnic, religious and political divides, assuring citizens that his administration would be guided by justice, competence, compassion, urgency and accountability.

Ropshik, founder of Kefiano Group and Kefiano Autos, now heads into the next phase of the governorship race with supporters expressing confidence that his private sector experience and grassroots appeal could reshape governance in Plateau State.