Latest News Stories on the Plateau
Monday, November 2, 2026
Welcome to this edition of Latest News Stories on the Plateau, a Headlineswave.ng roundup of significant developments shaping Plateau State.
From fresh controversy within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to the growing political activities ahead of the 2027 elections, recurring security concerns and economic initiatives, here are the major stories making headlines across the state.
1. NDC Crisis: Chieftain Accuses Peter Obi of Taking Sides in Plateau Governorship Dispute
The crisis surrounding the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship ticket in Plateau State has taken another political dimension following allegations by a party chieftain, Comrade Iliya Abdullahi, that the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is taking sides in the lingering dispute.
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Abdullahi questioned Obi’s perceived closeness to Alfred Ali Dapal, whose claim to the party’s governorship ticket has generated controversy within the Plateau chapter.
He argued that Obi’s perceived association with Dapal could undermine Da Jonathan Sunday Akuns, whom the NDC national leadership has repeatedly identified as its recognised governorship candidate.
The party chieftain also questioned why Dapal, who reportedly contested the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary in May 2026, subsequently joined the NDC and became involved in another struggle for the governorship ticket.
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The disagreement centres on competing claims arising from separate nomination processes. While the Plateau State chapter reportedly backed Dapal following a September 15 substitution primary, the national leadership has maintained its recognition of Akuns.
The controversy has raised questions about internal party democracy, the authority of the NDC national leadership and the party’s ability to resolve its internal differences ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Obi has reportedly maintained that he does not ordinarily interfere in the internal affairs of state chapters.
The latest development adds another layer to the political uncertainty confronting the NDC in Plateau.
2. NDC Governorship Candidate, Sunday Akuns, Explains Why He Wants to Govern Plateau
The NDC governorship candidate, Da Jonathan Sunday Akuns, has outlined his background, leadership philosophy and vision for Plateau State in an interview published by Independent Newspapers on Sunday, November 1.
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Akuns, an economist and former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) staff member, spoke with journalist Ejikeme Omenazu about his upbringing, professional experience, political ambition and reasons for seeking to govern Plateau.
Born on April 15, 1962, in Mandung Clan of Daffo District, Bokkos Local Government Area, Akuns described his humble upbringing and the values instilled in him by his parents.
He also addressed the controversy surrounding his emergence as the NDC governorship candidate, explaining his understanding of the party’s nomination process and the legal dispute involving Alfred Ali Dapal.
Akuns maintained that the Federal High Court in Jos had set aside and dismissed the interim order obtained by Dapal on September 28, following proceedings on October 20.
He further maintained that the NDC national leadership recognised him as its candidate and that there was no subsisting court order restraining his political activities.
The interview comes at a time when the NDC is facing internal disagreements over its Plateau governorship ticket, making the candidate’s explanation particularly significant.
3. Six Killed in Gero Attack as Mutfwang Vows to Track Down Perpetrators
The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the killing of six people following an attack on Gero community in Jos South Local Government Area.
The attack occurred in the early hours of October 27, when unidentified armed men invaded the community and opened fire on residents.
The police said the Commissioner of Police, CP Ayodeji Faniyan, immediately mobilised tactical teams, mobile policemen and other security personnel to the area.
Joint security operations involving the military and Operation Rainbow reportedly forced the attackers to flee into surrounding hillside forests.
The police also disclosed that motorcycles and other exhibits believed to be connected to the attack were recovered, while investigations and operations to apprehend the fleeing suspects continued.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang subsequently vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice, disclosing that investigators had recovered evidence that could help track down the perpetrators.
The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of communities around Jos metropolis and the need for stronger preventive security measures.
4. Plateau Government Strengthens Security Outfit with 1,500 Personnel
The Plateau State Government has disclosed efforts to strengthen its community-based security architecture, including the training of approximately 1,500 personnel.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang highlighted the initiative while addressing newly appointed special advisers during their swearing-in ceremony at the New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, on October 27.
He said the administration had reinvigorated Operation Rainbow and intensified community-based security arrangements as part of efforts to protect lives and property.
The governor also urged residents to provide timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that effective information-sharing remained important in preventing attacks.
The renewed security effort comes amid persistent concerns over attacks on communities in parts of the state.
However, residents will be looking for measurable improvements in security, particularly in vulnerable rural communities.
Plateau to Review Healthcare Delivery, Financing and Health Security at 12th Council on Health
5. Bagos Wins APC Rerun Primary for Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency
Former member of the House of Representatives, Dachung Musa Bagos, has emerged winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) rerun primary election for Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency.
Bagos polled 12,181 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Esther Bitrus, who secured 2,495 votes.
The result was announced on October 29 following a court-ordered rerun conducted across 11 wards in the constituency.
The exercise followed a court judgment that identified irregularities in the earlier primary election in the affected wards.
The outcome represents another significant development in the political realignments taking place in Plateau ahead of the 2027 general elections.
6. Mutfwang Unveils ₦1 Billion Research Fund at Jos Trade Fair
Governor Caleb Mutfwang has announced a proposed ₦1 billion budget provision to support indigenous research and innovation in Plateau State.
The governor made the disclosure while declaring open the 11th Jos National Trade Fair at the Polo Field, Jos, on October 28.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming Plateau into a major commercial and industrial destination through investments in agriculture, tourism, livestock production and other economic sectors.
The trade fair, organised by the Plateau Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PLACCIMA), is themed Harnessing Agricultural and Livestock Value Chains for Food Security, Job Creation and Shared Prosperity.
The proposed funding is expected to support research and innovative ideas by indigenous people.
Details of the implementation, eligibility and access arrangements will be important in determining how much impact the initiative will have.
7. Jos National Trade Fair Ends Today After Two-Day Extension
The 11th Jos National Trade Fair is scheduled to end today, Monday, November 2, following a two-day extension announced by the Plateau State Government.
The Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Ibrahim Musa Ashoms, had announced the extension from the original October 31 closing date to allow more residents, entrepreneurs and business owners to participate.
The trade fair, organised by PLACCIMA, is holding at the Jos Polo Field under the theme of harnessing agricultural and livestock value chains for food security, job creation and shared prosperity.
The event has attracted exhibitors and entrepreneurs showcasing products, services and investment opportunities.
The state government has also highlighted opportunities in agriculture and livestock production, including plans for an ultra-modern abattoir around Haipang.
The extension provides additional opportunities for business networking, product promotion and commercial partnership.
As the 2027 political contest gradually takes shape, Plateau residents must look beyond party affiliations and political promises.
The issues that matter most are security, employment, education, healthcare, infrastructure and the overall welfare of the people.
The people of Plateau deserve leadership that delivers results, not merely promises.
Headlineswave.ng will continue to monitor developments across the state,
