Governor Caleb Mutfwang of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Kefas Ropshik of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are among the leading contestants in Plateau State’s 2027 governorship race
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Kefas Ropshik of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are among the leading contestants in Plateau State’s 2027 governorship race, following the publication of candidates’ particulars by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Governor Mutfwang defected from the PDP to the APC in January 2026, leaving his former party to seek a new path back to the seat.
The election is also taking shape amid internal disputes within opposition parties, including a legal challenge to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)’s nomination.
Mr Mutfwang, 61, is the APC governorship candidate, with Josephine Piyo, 70, his running mate.
He won the 2023 governorship election on the PDP platform before defecting to the APC in January 2026, a move that reshaped the state’s political alignments ahead of the next election.
The governor’s decision to seek another term under the APC places his record in office at the centre of the campaign.
His administration will face questions about security, infrastructure, employment, healthcare, education and the management of public resources.
Insecurity remains one of Plateau’s most pressing challenges, with repeated attacks on communities, killings and displacement disrupting livelihoods and raising concerns about the protection of lives and property.
Candidates will be expected to explain how they intend to improve early-warning systems, protect vulnerable communities, strengthen security responses and support residents whose livelihoods have been affected by violence.
Mr Mutfwang will also have to explain his political realignment to voters who elected him on the PDP platform in 2023.
INEC lists his declared qualifications as a primary education certificate, General Certificate of Education and an LLB degree with honours. The commission records a primary education certificate, General Certificate of Education and training at the School of Nursing in Jos for Ms Piyo.
Mr Ropshik, 50, is the PDP candidate, with Daniel Kim, 61, his running mate.
PREMIUM TIMES reported in May that a faction backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, conducted a primary that produced Mr Ropshik, while the other faction led by Tanimu Turaki nominated Sunday Biggs.
The competing nominations reflected the party’s internal divisions.
Mr Ropshik’s candidacy gives the PDP an opportunity to challenge the incumbent, but the party’s prospects will depend in part on its ability to organise an effective campaign and present a coherent alternative to the APC administration.
The opposition party will need to articulate clear proposals on security, economic development, employment, agriculture and public services, while addressing concerns arising from its internal disputes.
INEC lists Mr Ropshik’s declared qualifications as a first school-leaving certificate and senior secondary school certificate.
For Mr Kim, the commission records a first school-leaving certificate, Grade II teacher’s certificate and Bachelor of Education qualification.
Jonathan Akuns, 64, appears in the INEC document as the NDC candidate, with Jonathan Pwajok, 56, as his running mate.
His nomination has been challenged by Alfred Dapal, also known as Alfred Damiyal, amid disagreements between the party’s national leadership and its state chapter.
PREMIUM TIMES reported in September that Mr Akuns emerged unopposed at the party’s 29 May primary and was recognised by its national leadership. However, the state chapter subsequently backed Mr Dapal in a separate nomination exercise.
The dispute escalated to the Federal High Court in Jos.
On 28 September, Justice S. T. Ishaya restrained Mr Akuns from presenting himself as the NDC candidate pending the hearing and determination of a suit challenging the nomination process.
The court also restrained the NDC and INEC from taking steps that would undermine the reliefs sought in the suit.
The order was not a final determination of the dispute.
The dispute raises questions about whether the party can resolve its internal differences before the election.
INEC’s published document also lists candidates from several other parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party (LP), African Action Congress (AAC), Action Democratic Party (ADP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Peoples Party (APP), Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), National Democratic Party (NDP), National Rescue Movement (NRM), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Young Progressives Party (YPP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
The candidates named in the document include Sura Sunday of the ADC, Ayuba Adams of the AAC, Dawop Sa’idu of the ADP, Jiga Jarzuka of APGA, Danauta Kyarshik Samuel of the APM, Muhammad Hadi of the APP, Yusuf Umar of the DLA, Nura Tanko of the Labour Party, Yohanna Yilpan of the NDP, Cosmas Jarlath of the NRM, Dafup Simput of the SDP, Jonathan Dogara of the YPP and Bingel Hurung Philomina of the ZLP.
The commission’s document provides the declared ages and educational qualifications of these candidates and their running mates.
