In a major political development that signals growing unity and strategic alignment across Mikang Local Government, stakeholders from Garkawa District on Thursday May 14, 2026, unanimously presented Hon. Timdi Nkat as their consensus candidate for the Plateau State House of Assembly seat, while also declaring total support for the reelection of Governor Caleb Mutfwang in 2027.
The historic gathering, which brought together political leaders, traditional stakeholders, elders, youth groups, women leaders, and party faithful across the districts of Youm, Tehl, Keonoem and Piapung, was described by many as a defining moment in the political future of Mikang.
Presenting the position of the Youm stakeholders forum, Mr. Ishaku Fanto, a former State Auditor, disclosed that the decision followed extensive consultations involving the Mwo Youm of Garkawa, members of the council of chiefs, political stakeholders, and community leaders across Youm Nation.
Mr. Fanto explained that three aspirants from Garkawa: Hon. Austin Bako, Rt. Hon. Moses Sule, and Hon. Timdi Nkat, all picked forms, were screened, and cleared. After meeting among themselves and with key stakeholders, they agreed in the spirit of unity to settle on Timdi Nkat as the district’s consensus candidate. He said the choice of Nkat was made out of fairness, equity, justice, and inclusive representation, to ensure that all interests were considered while giving every district a sense of belonging.
He stressed that among the four major districts in Mikang, Youm remains the only district yet to produce a representative in the Plateau State House of Assembly, noting that the time has come for the district to also have a voice at the state legislature.
Mr. Fanto further reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Youm Nation to the reelection of Governor Caleb Mutfwang in 2027, assuring the APC and the governor of the district’s continued loyalty, support, and political solidarity.
Also speaking, Hon. Innocent Tirsel, a former member of the House of Representatives for Mikang/Shendam/Qua’an Pan Federal Constituency, maintained that although zoning arrangements are often unwritten, they have always been respected as instruments of fairness, justice, peaceful coexistence, and balanced political representation.
He noted that many leaders who previously occupied elective positions were themselves beneficiaries of such understanding and political cooperation.
Hon. Tirsel further argued that after Piapung District occupied the State Assembly seat for sixteen years and currently holds the office of the Executive Chairman of Mikang Local Government Council, it would amount to political injustice and exclusion for any group to attempt retaining both strategic positions at the same time.
According to him, any political party genuinely interested in sustaining peace and securing victory in Mikang must embrace equity and allow power to rotate fairly among the districts.
Also addressing the gathering on behalf of Tehl stakeholders, Hon. Isa Kungwai, a former Chairman of Mikang Local Government and former member of the Plateau State House of Assembly, stated that Mikang was built on unity, mutual respect, and collective political understanding.
He warned against attempts to sacrifice the long-standing peace and brotherhood in the area on the altar of personal ambition, insisting that the people of Mikang must remain committed to preserving the legacy of unity handed down by past leaders.
Former Director-General of PEPSA, Mr. Nuhu Longpes, who spoke from Koenoem District, described the emergence of Timdi Nkat as a reflection of the collective will of the people and a product of broad-based consultation across communities and political blocs.
He noted that leadership is not built on intimidation or personal interests but on trust, acceptance, and the ability to unite the people around a common purpose.
Longpes added that the political direction taken by the stakeholders demonstrates maturity, inclusiveness, and a shared determination to strengthen Mikang’s voice within Plateau politics.
Speaking on behalf of Piapung stakeholders, one of the leading political figures in Mikang, Rt. Hon. George Daika, former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and former member of the House of Representatives, called on all political actors to place the unity and future of Mikang above individual ambitions.
He commended the stakeholders for embracing dialogue, consensus, and political understanding rather than division and confrontation.
Rt. Hon. Daika stated that sustainable political progress can only thrive where fairness, inclusion, and mutual respect are upheld, stressing that the endorsement of Timdi Nkat represents not just the aspiration of Youm people, but the collective interest of Mikang as a whole.
The event witnessed the presence of several prominent political and community leaders, including Prof. Paul Wai, Chairman of the Plateau State Civil Service Commission; Hon. Magdaline Bagudu, former Transition Committee Chairman; Emmanuel Taukek, former Executive Secretary; Barr. Chasil Drenkat; elected councillors; supervisory councillors; youth leaders; women groups; and other critical stakeholders from across the local government.
In a symbolic demonstration of unity and political solidarity, the leaders and thousands of supporters later marched to the Mikang Local Government Council Secretariat, where they formally submitted their resolutions and demands to the Executive Chairman of the council, appealing that he deliver their message to the governor that zoning is sacrosanct to them and they have resolved to go with Timdi.
The Council Chairman, Hon. Dr. Bernard Soepding Alkali, appreciated the people for speaking with one voice and promised to deliver their message to Governor Caleb Mutfwang. He noted that power rotation was one of the reasons he was brought into office. Dr. Benard also urged support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Mutfwang’s second term.
The gathering ended with a strong message of unity, equity, and collective determination to ensure that Mikang speaks with one voice ahead of the 2027 political season, with Timdi Nkat emerging as the rallying point of that aspiration.
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