Yilchini Jan Bida, a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress in Plateau State, has expressed confidence in defeating Governor Caleb Mutfwang in a free and fair primary election ahead of the 2027 governorship polls.
Bida, a retired commander, declared his intention to contest in the APC governorship primaries scheduled for Thursday, insisting that he is fully prepared for the race and not merely participating to make up the numbers.
Speaking with journalists on Tuesday, the aspirant said he has a clear vision and programme for the state.
“I am fully committed to contesting in the primaries. I am not just in the race to add to the number; I have a clear programme and vision for Plateau State,” he stated.
Bida disclosed that his campaign had already unveiled a development blueprint tagged the “LIGHT Agenda,” which he described as a comprehensive plan aimed at transforming governance across different sectors in the state.
According to him, the agenda focuses on measurable outcomes, strategic resource planning, accountability, and people-oriented leadership.
The governorship hopeful identified security as a major priority of his proposed administration, stressing that improved infrastructure, especially rural roads and telecommunications, would enhance response to security challenges across Plateau State.
He lamented that many rural communities lack mobile network coverage and accessible roads, making security operations difficult during emergencies.
“One of the key factors in tackling insecurity is response time. If security agencies cannot access affected areas quickly, lives and property are put at greater risk,” he said.
Bida pledged to ensure full mobile network coverage across the state and promised to open up rural communities through the construction of roads and bridges.
On infrastructure development, the APC aspirant said his administration would target spending not less than N1 trillion over four years to improve productivity and economic activities across the state.
He added that his government would construct at least 40 kilometres of roads in each of the 17 local government areas of Plateau State.
According to him, development efforts would not be concentrated only in urban centres but extended to rural communities.
“Plateau is not just about the state capital, but every local government and community,” he said.
Bida also raised concerns over what he described as inadequate investment in human capital development, particularly in the education sector.
He argued that insufficient budgetary commitment to education could negatively affect the competitiveness and future of Plateau youths.
The aspirant pledged that his administration would prioritise education, healthcare, and community development as key pillars for building a productive and resilient population.
He further promised to promote local enterprise development and create opportunities capable of harnessing the entrepreneurial potential of residents across the state.