To avoid the painful and bitter experience of the 2025 general elections, when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) refused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the right to vote in the legislative election, the party on Saturday, October 25, 2025, spent the whole day conducting their congress.

The congress comprised all 17 local government areas, where delegates had already been chosen and posts shared, with members attending primarily for voice votes or affirmation of elected representatives.

During the last general elections of 2023, the electoral umpire, INEC, refused the PDP the right to vote on the grounds that the party did not have the required structure on the ground.

The party approached the Election Tribunal, which upheld the decision, and finally appealed to the Court of Appeal, where they also lost as the final court for state assemblies.

The House of Assembly comprises 24 elected members from different constituencies. The APC has the overwhelming majority with 22 seats, while the Labour Party and the Young Peoples Party have one seat each.

PDP, the ruling party in the state, which produced the governor, does not have a single seat in the House.

After the Appeal Court ruling, which did not favour the governor, he went to the Supreme Court and was declared the winner.
Congress beginning of PDP’s victory – Mutfwang

The Plateau PDP on Saturday elected Chief Raymond Dabo as its new State Chairman, alongside 38 other members of the State Executive Committee (SEC), to steer the affairs of the party toward victory in the 2027 General Elections.

The state congress, held at the WAYE Foundation, Doi-Du, was conducted under a peaceful and transparent atmosphere in line with the constitution of the party. The exercise produced new officers who immediately took their oath of office.

Announcing the results, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Hon. David Embughadu, declared that Dabo emerged as the new state chairman with 2,162 votes, while Gyang Tanko polled 2,102 votes as deputy chairman. Mr. Michael Dachom was elected state secretary, and Dr.

Felix Choji clinched the position of publicity secretary, among others.

In his address to the delegates, Governor Mutfwang, described the congress as a milestone in the history of the party, noting that it reflected unity, maturity, and loyalty among members.

“Since I joined the PDP, this is the first State Congress we are holding without a contest. With this, we have demonstrated our commitment, loyalty, and readiness to work together as one family. I sincerely thank all the local governments for their cooperation,” Mutfwang stated.

He acknowledged that although the zoning process initially generated some disagreements, the peaceful resolution of those differences underscored the maturity and cohesion within the party. The governor also appreciated aspirants who stepped down in the interest of unity and the greater good of the PDP.

“I want to thank those who may feel shortchanged or believe they were not given the chance they deserved. Because of the common interest of the PDP, you chose peace over grievance. I am confident that this new set of executives will lead our party to victory in 2027. The time for exclusion is over; our focus now is unity. I assure you that those who are truly for us will stay. Together, we will approach 2027 as one united family,” he added.

On the issue of alleged defections, Mutfwang expressed optimism and confidence in the resilience of the PDP in Plateau State.

“I heard that some people have left. We are waiting to see the day they will go with the crowd they claim to have. Plateau is PDP, and PDP is Plateau. We will remain connected to the people and continue working for their collective good,” he emphasised.

The Governor commended the outgoing Caretaker Committee led by Hon. Chris Hassan for their dedication and remarkable achievements, noting that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.

In his valedictory remarks, Hon. Hassan expressed appreciation to his team for their resilience and commitment, recalling that under their stewardship, the PDP produced a Governor, two Senators, five Members of the House of Representatives, and sixteen Members of the Plateau State House of Assembly in the 2023 elections until the Court decided.

The Chairman of the Electoral Committee also expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the exercise and praised the delegates for their discipline and overwhelming support for the leadership of Governor Mutfwang.

The INEC was duly represented at the congress to observe proceedings and ensure full compliance with electoral guidelines.

In his acceptance speech, the newly elected State Chairman, Dabo, thanked the delegates for the confidence reposed in him and promised to provide transparent, inclusive, and accountable leadership, especially in the conduct of future party primaries.