Nentawe And Simon Lalong: What Prospects For APC On The Plateau?

After nine months of dithering procrastination, President Bola Tinubu has finally filled the ministerial slot vacated by Senator Simon Lalong with Nentawe Yiltwatda but the development looks like a major risk for the All Progressives Congress, APC on the Plateau.

When Senator Simon Lalong celebrated his last birthday on May 5, 2024 Nentawe Yiltwatda, the 2023 governorship candidate of the APC hailed him thus: “Happy Birthday my boss.” However, with his appointment as the new minister representing Plateau State on the cabinet, the prospects of a rilvary between the two men is now coming under speculations.

The appointment of Nentawe came as an answered prayer to both the appointee and his supporters is however raising questions about the future of the APC in the State.

The Party has seen Nentawe’s appointment as “an honour to whom honour is due” as the Acting Publicity Secretary of the Party, Shittu Bamaiyi said the appointment is a reward and recognition for loyalty, and hard work and stressed, “the epoch-making appointment is well deserved, and also seen as an honor not only to Dr Nentawe alone, but the entire APC family as well as people of Plateau State.”

But the question is, can Nentawe use his new position to galvanize support for the Party and ginger it for a better political outing in the coming years?

Recall that the Party has suffered in the past due to a leadership deficit which had cost it its political fortunes in the State, many stalwarts had left its fold leaving the Party with internal squabbles that threaten its existence in Plateau.

An APC source who spoke anonymously agreed that “former Governor Simon Lalong damaged the Party in many ways, shaking its foundation in Plateau.”

The source while expressing happiness at the choice of Nentawe also expressed fear about what lies ahead for the Party.

According to the source, “Dariye came on board and left with his supporters, Jang came and left still having people loyal to him. Lalong damaged the APC in many ways and is now almost a loner. With the coming on board of Nentawe as the Minister, the loyalty of the few to Lalong will be split between him and Nentawe. It is left to be seen how they would manage the Party and bolster the confidence of members.”

The source also agreed that “For now, Governor Caleb Mutfwang is doing well and strengthening his Party, the People’s Democratic Party. Except he slips, it will be difficult for the APC to gain ground in the next elections. So, the expectations on Nentawe is very high, if he fails to meet them, the failure would further damage the Party and its lot on the Plateau.”

However, expectations or not, at the moment Plateau State is happy with the appointment and only hopes Nentawe uses the opportunity for the good of the State.

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