Stakeholders from Garkawa District in Mikang Local Government Area of Plateau State have unanimously presented Mr. Timdi Nkat as their consensus candidate for the State House of Assembly seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.The stakeholders also declared total support for the re-election of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, describing him as a unifying leader whose administration deserves continuity.
The decision was reached at a well-attended meeting on Thursday, which brought together political leaders, traditional rulers, elders, youth groups, women leaders and party faithful from Youm, Tehl and Piapung districts.
The gathering, described by participants as historic, is widely seen as a major step towards political alignment and unity in Mikang ahead of the party primaries.
Presenting the position of the Youm stakeholders forum, a former State Auditor, Mr. Ishaku Fanto, said the choice of Timdi Nkat followed wide consultations involving the Mwo Youm of Garkawa, council of chiefs, political stakeholders and community leaders.
Fanto said the consensus was anchored on fairness, equity, justice and inclusive representation, noting that Youm District remains the only major district in Mikang yet to produce a member of the Plateau State House of Assembly.
He stressed that it was only fair for the district to be given the opportunity to have representation at the state legislature.
Fanto also reaffirmed the commitment of the Youm people to the re-election of Governor Mutfwang in 2027, assuring of their continued loyalty and political support.
Also speaking, a former member of the House of Representatives for Mikang/Shendam/Qua’an Pan Federal Constituency, Hon. Innocent Tirsel, said zoning arrangements, though unwritten, have remained critical tools for ensuring fairness, peaceful coexistence and balanced political representation.
He argued that after Piapung District held the State Assembly seat for 16 years and currently occupies the chairmanship of Mikang Local Government Council, it would be unjust for any group to retain both positions.
According to him, political parties seeking peace and victory must embrace equity and allow power to rotate among the districts.
On his part, former Chairman of Mikang Local Government and ex-member of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Isa Kungwai, warned against actions that could undermine the unity and long-standing political understanding in the area.
He said Mikang’s strength lies in its tradition of mutual respect and collective decision-making, urging stakeholders to resist personal ambitions capable of disrupting peace.
Also lending his voice, former Director-General of PEPSA, Mr. Nuhu Longpes, described the emergence of Timdi Nkat as a reflection of the collective will of the people.
He noted that the decision was the outcome of broad consultations and demonstrated political maturity, inclusiveness and a shared commitment to strengthening Mikang’s position in Plateau politics.
Speaking on behalf of Piapung stakeholders, former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. George Daika, called on political actors to place the unity and future of Mikang above individual interests.
Daika commended the stakeholders for embracing dialogue and consensus, stressing that sustainable political progress can only be achieved through fairness, inclusion and mutual respect.
He added that the endorsement of Timdi Nkat represents not only the aspiration of the Youm people but the collective interest of Mikang as a whole.
The meeting was attended by several prominent political and community leaders, including 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; elected and supervisory councillors; as well as youth and women groups.
In a show of unity, the stakeholders and their supporters later marched to the Mikang Local Government Council Secretariat, where they formally presented their resolutions to the Executive Chairman of the council.
The event ended with a renewed call for unity, equity and collective resolve among stakeholders to ensure a common political direction for Mikang ahead of the 2027 elections, with Timdi Nkat emerging as the consensus choice.
