Daniel Dauda, Jos
A coalition of minority ethnic communities in Plateau North, under the platform of the Plateau North Equity Project (PNEP), has decried what they described as “continuous marginalisation in the distribution of political offices” since the inception of Nigeria’s democracy in 1999.
The coalition which consists of over 23 minority tribes cutting across six local government areas in Plateau Northern Senatorial District, says leadership has been concentrated in one dominant tribe leaving minorities perpetually excluded.
Dr. Song Muru, alongside other leaders of the group, raised the alarm while speaking to newsmen at the NUJ Secretariat Jos on Tuesday.
Muru said for too long, leadership positions have been concentrated in one dominant tribe in the Northern Zone, leaving other communities underrepresented. In our view, true democracy thrives on inclusion, balance, and shared responsibility.
He also revealed that since 2014 minorities gave APC the votes in Plateau North but got zero top positions. “For 2027, all key positions like Deputy Governor, Senate, APC State Chairman, 2/3 House of Representatives are yet going to one tribe.
“The history of the ascension of the positions of Deputy Governor and Senate by Plateau North Senatorial Zone is that for Deputy Governor, the demographically advantaged tribe has held the position for the third time now since 1999(i.e. 1999-2003, 2003-2007, 2007-2011). The incumbent is from that tribe(2023-2027), and now been picked to run for another term ending in 2031.
“For the Senate, the same advantaged tribe has held/is holding the position for the seventh time out of eight since 1999, with a break only in the 2003-2007 term. If the current APC candidate wins in 2027, it will be 8 out of 9 times”, Muru mentioned.
He acknowledged that they have interfaced several times with government, stakeholders, met with brothers from the dominant community as well as held a press conference on the 25th June, 2026, to correct the historical imbalance but no positive result.
He appealed to President Bola Tinubu, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and Governor Caleb Mutfwang to intervene urgently, saying “imbalance may destroy APC in Plateau North and affect unity statewide.
“Our people are fully mobilized to explore viable democratic options that will free them from the shackles of age-long marginalization if not addressed.
“No community should be perpetually enslaved to political exclusion. True democracy must be built on inclusion, balance and shared responsibility”, Muru added.
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