HOW PDP CHAIRMAN, NENTAWE YILWATDA’S MOTHER’S BURIAL WAS TURNED INTO A POLITICAL CARNIVAL, READ WHAT POLITICIANS AND THEIR SUPPORTERS DID

 

 

Dickson S. Adama

The funeral of the mother of the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, took a political turn over the weekend in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

Yilwatda’s mother, Mama Lydia Yilwatda, passed away in August 2025 at the Jos University Teaching Hospital at the age of 83 and was laid to rest last Saturday.

A funeral service was held at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Headquarters in Jos, after which her remains were taken to Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State for final interment.

However, what was expected to be a solemn occasion quickly transformed into a political jamboree and campaign-like event ahead of the 2027 general elections. In the days leading up to the burial, numerous banners and billboards appeared at strategic locations across Jos, sponsored by politicians, government officials, organisations, and party support groups.

Alleged forgery: UNN never issued me degree certificate – Minister
‘Political Funeral’, Atiku Slams Tinubu Over Plateau Visit
Political observers, particularly from Plateau State, had earlier noted the unusual delay in the burial, suggesting that it might have taken on political dimensions — especially since Plateau’s cultural practices rarely permit corpses to be kept for such extended periods.

From condolence visits and wake services to the funeral procession, political undertones became increasingly evident.

The situation escalated further after it was confirmed that President Tinubu would be in attendance. Ahead of his visit, several individuals and groups accused the president of neglecting the ongoing insecurity and killings in Plateau State, where hundreds have died, to attend a political ally’s family event.

A group known as Plateau United Front even addressed an open letter to the president, signed by one Sargwak Haruna, criticising the timing of his visit. The group alleged that the visit portrayed the president as prioritizing partisan loyalty over the welfare of Plateau residents amid widespread insecurity.

In response, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Plateau State Governor, Gyang Bere, dismissed the letter as mischievous and ill-motivated. He urged the public to ignore it, describing it as an attempt to mislead the president and stir unnecessary controversy around his planned visit.

 

Campaign banners on display

Yet on Saturday, the politicisation of the burial ceremony and church service became unmistakably evident. Various women and youth groups, alongside party loyalists, were seen chanting political songs, wearing party-branded T-shirts and face caps, and waving flags. Even the Boys’ Brigade joined in with a street march accompanied by a live band, further adding to the festive atmosphere.

There was also a noticeable collapse of party divisions, as supporters of both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) participated side by side, displaying banners and placards with different political inscriptions.

Prominent among the slogans displayed on banners, T-shirts, and caps were: “4+4 Tinubu — On Your Mandate We Shall Stand,” “APC Team Tinubu 2027,” “Tinubu or Nothing,” and “Nigeria Generation Next for Tinubu 2027 Mourns Our Mother, Nana Lydia Yilwatda Goshwe.” Others read: “2027 Sealed, Mr. President,” “Team Akpabio for Tinubu 2027,” and “2027 Plateau No Vacancy” — the latter in apparent support of Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

Although Governor Mutfwang belongs to the PDP, he maintains a cordial relationship with President Tinubu of the APC. According to political insiders, many Plateau leaders have informally endorsed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections and are reportedly determined to deliver the state’s votes in his favour.

This sentiment, they say, is rooted in what they describe as Tinubu’s genuine commitment to Plateau’s economic development and security. They also cited the First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu’s two visits to the state, during which she donated N500 million and N1 billion respectively to victims of the incessant attacks.

In September, Senator Diket Plang, representing Plateau Central Senatorial District, had expressed similar confidence that Plateau would play a decisive role in Tinubu’s 2027 victory. Speaking in Jos during a thanksgiving event following the death of his wife, Plang said, “Apart from the fact that Tinubu had a hand in making our son, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the APC National Chairman, we will ensure his re-election. I even know that many of my people in other parties will still vote for Tinubu.”

Echoing this sentiment on Saturday, the former Deputy Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Baba Hassan, who chaired the Mobilisation Committee for the event, praised the massive turnout that welcomed President Tinubu to the state.

He said the enthusiasm and overwhelming show of support demonstrated that Tinubu remained deeply admired by Plateau citizens. Hassan assured that the state would reciprocate the president’s goodwill in 2027, noting that Tinubu himself must have been pleased with the warm reception and show of loyalty.

Similarly, Governor Caleb Mutfwang struck a conciliatory tone in his remarks at the funeral service held at COCIN Headquarters, subtly suggesting that Plateau State would continue to work harmoniously with the Tinubu administration.

Mutfwang said the President’s visit meant a lot not only to the Yilwatda family but also to the entire people of Plateau State.

“The wife of the President and First Lady of the nation has visited Plateau twice to commiserate with us over the killings and donated tangible sums to the victims.

“We are truly touched by this gesture. As a people, we have enjoyed the love of the First Family. Her Excellency, Senator Remi Tinubu, has spread her motherly wings of love over us both to comfort us and to encourage us to continue restoring peace in Plateau State,” he said.

President Tinubu, in his remarks, described Plateau State as a key player in Nigeria’s political history. He recalled his longstanding relationship with the state since the era of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

The president noted that the massive turnout of governors, public officials, and dignitaries at the event was a testament to the respect people had for the late Mama Lydia Yilwatda. He urged leaders to uphold the values of unity, contentment, and productive leadership.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio also commended Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a “unifier bringing together all faiths, regions, and political divides.”

“All former governors of Plateau State are here today, irrespective of political party. The people of Plateau have shown tremendous affection and excitement at your visit.

“Thousands lined the streets from the airport to this venue, waving and cheering. That alone speaks louder than words,” Akpabio said.

 

Roll call

The event drew a large number of dignitaries, including the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, represented by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; and his predecessor, Boss Mustapha. Others included former governors Tanko Al-Makura, Adamu Mu’azu, Fidelis Tapgun, Yahaya Bello, and Rochas Okorocha; members of the APC National Working Committee; legislators; and senior government officials.

Critics slam politicisation of funeral

Observers described the ceremony as one of the largest political gatherings in recent times — a mix of mourning, reunion, lobbying, and early political positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.

However, Sabiu Ibrahim Musa, the Galadiman Ginin Jos and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), condemned what he called the “politicisation” of a solemn event.

He alleged that supporters carrying APC flags, banners, and chanting party slogans were paid to turn the ceremony into a political rally.

“Such conduct is a negation of African culture and the dignity expected at a burial,” he said, adding that the ADC was not invited and would not have engaged in such an act.

Political analyst Jacob Pwakim Choji also criticised the development, noting that Plateau’s political culture had once again overshadowed decency and decorum.