Mikang 2027: Garkawa District Adopts Timdi Nkat as Consensus Candidate, Endorses Mutfwang’s Re-election

By Israel Adamu, Jos

Stakeholders from Garkawa District in Plateau State’s Mikang Local Government Area have unanimously adopted Mr. Timdi Nkat as their consensus candidate for the State House of Assembly seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The stakeholders also declared support for the re-election bid of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, describing his administration as unifying and deserving of continuity.

The decision was reached during a well-attended meeting held on Thursday, bringing together political leaders, traditional rulers, elders, youth groups, women leaders, and party members from Youm, Tehl, and Piapung districts.

Participants described the gathering as historic, noting that it represents a major step toward political alignment and unity in Mikang ahead of the party primaries.

Presenting the position of the Youm stakeholders forum, former State Auditor, Ishaku Fanto, said the choice of Timdi Nkat followed extensive consultations involving the Mwo Youm of Garkawa, council of chiefs, political stakeholders, and community leaders.

Fanto explained that the consensus was based on principles of fairness, equity, justice, and inclusive representation, adding that Youm District remains the only major district in Mikang yet to produce a member of the Plateau State House of Assembly.

He argued that it was only fair for the district to be given the opportunity to occupy the legislative seat.

Fanto also reaffirmed the district’s commitment to Governor Mutfwang’s re-election, pledging continued political support.

A former member of the House of Representatives for Mikang/Shendam/Qua’an Pan Federal Constituency, Innocent Tirsel, also spoke at the meeting, stressing that zoning arrangements—though unwritten—remain essential for fairness, peaceful coexistence, and balanced political representation.

He noted that after Piapung District held the State Assembly seat for 16 years and currently occupies the chairmanship of Mikang Local Government, it would be unjust for any group to retain both positions.

According to him, political parties seeking peace and electoral success must embrace equity and allow power rotation among districts.

Former Chairman of Mikang Local Government and ex-member of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Isa Kungwai, warned against actions that could undermine unity and long-standing political arrangements in the area.

He said Mikang’s strength lies in its tradition of mutual respect and collective decision-making, urging stakeholders to avoid personal ambitions capable of destabilising peace.

Also speaking, former Director-General of PEPSA, Nuhu Longpes, described Timdi Nkat’s emergence as a reflection of the collective will of the people, achieved through broad consultation and political maturity.

He said the decision demonstrated inclusiveness and a shared commitment to strengthening Mikang’s political influence in Plateau State.

Former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, George Daika, who spoke on behalf of Piapung stakeholders, urged political actors to prioritise unity over individual ambition.

He commended the stakeholders for embracing dialogue and consensus-building, noting that sustainable political progress depends on fairness, inclusion, and mutual respect.

The meeting was attended by several notable figures, including the Chairman of the Plateau State Civil Service Commission, Prof. Paul Wai; former Transition Committee Chairman, Hon. Magdaline Bagudu; former Executive Secretary, Emmanuel Taukek; Barr. Chasil Drenkat; councillors; as well as youth and women representatives.

The event concluded with a solidarity march to the Mikang Local Government Secretariat, where the resolutions were formally presented to the council chairman.

Stakeholders reiterated their call for unity and equity, reaffirming Timdi Nkat as the consensus choice for the 2027 House of Assembly race.