Senator representing Plateau Central, Diket Satso Plang, has urged political leaders and stakeholders in Plateau State to put the collective interest of the state above personal ambitions as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Plang made the call during an interview with journalists at his residence in Jos on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, where he spoke extensively on political divisions, reconciliation and the need for responsible leadership in Plateau.
The senator warned that personal political interests, ethnic and religious considerations, and divisive rhetoric must not be allowed to undermine the broader interests of Plateau and Nigeria.
He said political leaders must remember that political offices and positions are temporary, while the state and its people remain.
Plateau Must Come First
According to Plang, political competition should not become a battle that permanently damages relationships among Plateau people.
He appealed to politicians, religious leaders, traditional leaders and other influential stakeholders to exercise restraint in their public statements, particularly during campaigns.
His concern, he explained, is that politicians who make excessively harsh statements against opponents today may find themselves needing those same individuals tomorrow.
Plang therefore urged political actors to reduce inflammatory rhetoric and avoid statements that could make future reconciliation difficult.
Reconciliation Must Go Beyond Political Leaders
The senator also addressed the divisions within the Plateau political space, particularly the tensions between groups associated with Governor Caleb Mutfwang and Nentawe Yilwatda.
While acknowledging efforts at reconciliation, Plang said more work is required to heal divisions created during previous political contests.
He argued that political leaders must take responsibility for bringing their supporters together, noting that statements made by followers during political battles can sometimes become obstacles even when leaders themselves decide to reconcile.
Plang urged those who benefited from political processes to show humility and make genuine efforts to reach out to those who feel aggrieved.
Primary Election Grievances Should Not Be Ignored
The senator also revisited grievances arising from the APC primary elections, saying some members were genuinely hurt by the process.
He maintained that raising concerns about perceived wrongs should not automatically be interpreted as an attempt to destroy the party.
According to him, legitimate grievances should be addressed through dialogue, apology and reconciliation rather than destructive political actions.
Plang disclosed that despite being among those affected by the process, he had chosen to forgive and encouraged other aggrieved members to embrace reconciliation.
He, however, urged candidates and political beneficiaries to do more to rebuild confidence among party members.
‘Nobody Should Decide Plateau’s Future From Outside’
Plang also warned against the idea that political actors outside Plateau should determine who leads the state.
He called on Plateau elders and stakeholders to protect the political independence of the state and ensure that the will of the people determines its leadership.
He argued that Plateau has enough experienced politicians, academics, professionals and community leaders capable of determining the state’s political direction.
For him, allowing external interests to dictate Plateau’s political future would undermine the state’s standing and leadership role in the Middle Belt.
Politics Should Be About Development
The senator further criticised what he described as “zigzag politics,” where politicians move between political parties primarily in pursuit of personal interests.
He said the people of Plateau are more concerned about development, inclusion and good governance than individual political calculations.
Plang urged politicians to focus on issues that affect ordinary citizens rather than allowing personal ambitions to dominate political discourse.
Nigeria’s Unity Also Matters
Beyond Plateau, Plang appealed to Nigerians to place national interest above sectional considerations ahead of the 2027 elections.
He warned against political, religious, ethnic and regional rhetoric capable of dividing the country.
According to him, every political ambition should operate within the larger interest of Nigeria, because no individual, political party or group is greater than the country.
For Plateau, his message was equally direct: political differences are inevitable, but they should not become more important than the future of the state.
“Plateau is greater than an individual interest,” Plang stressed, calling for humility, reconciliation and responsible political leadership as the state approaches another major electoral cycle.
