Plateau killings aimed at undermining Tinubu’s 2027 chances – APC chieftain
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Saleh Zazzaga, has alleged that the renewed wave of killings in Plateau State is politically motivated and aimed at undermining President Bola
- From Dele Anofi, Abuja
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Saleh Zazzaga, has alleged that the renewed wave of killings in Plateau State is politically motivated and aimed at undermining President Bola Tinubu’s chances in the 2027 general elections.
Zazzaga, who is also Chairman of the North-Central APC Forum that pledged six million votes for the President in the election, made the claim in a statement on Monday, linking the violence in Plateau and neighbouring Benue State to efforts to weaken the ruling party’s electoral strength.
His comments come amid rising tension in Plateau following the killing of more than 20 persons in a Palm Sunday attack in Gariya Waye, Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area.
Zazzaga alleged that the attacks were orchestrated by opposition elements seeking to derail the President’s re-election bid and discredit Plateau State Governor Caleb Muftwang.
“The ongoing attacks and killings in Plateau State are politically motivated. Those behind these killings are opposition politicians who want to derail Mr President's re-election in the 2027 elections.
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"These are also people who want to discredit Governor Caleb Muftwang, knowing fully well that they can't stop his re-election.
“They know that with Governor Muftwang having defected to the APC, the chances are high that Mr. President will get 100 percent of the votes from Plateau State, so they have decided to sponsor violence to prevent that from happening.
“To create the impression that the administration is not performing, these individuals have decided to sponsor violent attacks and killings in defenceless communities.
"They know the natives support Mr. President and the governor; that is why they are engaging in mass killings to reduce the native population and by doing so, reduce the votes that would go to Mr. President in the coming election,” Zazzaga said.
The APC chieftain further linked the situation in Plateau to the recurring violence in Benue State, alleging a broader plot targeting the North-Central region.
According to him, the region, which now has six APC governors following Muftwang’s defection, has become a key political stronghold for the ruling party and a target for opposition forces.
“In the history of Nigeria, no President has cared about the needs of the North-Central more than Tinubu.
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"He has demonstrated this by listening to our cries and agitations through the location of infrastructural projects and also with sensitive appointments.
“Because the opposition is afraid of the bloc votes that will come from the North-Central for President Bola Tinubu in 2027, they are now sponsoring violence and killings, not only to give the impression that Mr President is not working but also to reduce the voting population,” he added.
Zazzaga also cautioned religious leaders against statements that could inflame tensions, urging them to promote peaceful coexistence, saying, “Some religious leaders are making unguarded utterances which contribute to the insecurity.
"I am advising them to stop before it is too late. Every right-thinking religious leader should be mindful of what they say to their congregation so as not to encourage violence.
“Being a religious leader comes with responsibilities, which include promoting peaceful coexistence among the people. Any religious leader that abandons this responsibility should face the consequences of his indiscretion".
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He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to address insecurity in Plateau, Benue, and other parts of the country, noting that the response should take into account the alleged political undertones.
Zazzaga also commended President Tinubu for visiting Plateau State in the aftermath of the Palm Sunday attack, describing the gesture as a demonstration of empathy.
“Suspending other crucial matters of the state to visit Jos to show solidarity with the victims shows Mr. President cares about Nigerians.
"He feels the pain of the people, and I am glad that he has given the security agencies marching orders to apprehend the perpetrators.
“I implore all Nigerians to join hands with Mr. President to address insecurity in all parts of the country. Security is everybody's business, not only for Mr. President and the security agencies,” he said.
