By Israel Adamu, Jos
Architect Hart Bankat, General Manager of the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB), has formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), aligning with Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang following the governor’s recent departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).Bankat’s defection comes amid ongoing political realignments in Plateau State and reflects his continued loyalty to Governor Mutfwang, under whose administration he has played a central role in advancing urban development reforms since 2023.Appointed shortly after Mutfwang’s inauguration, Bankat has overseen the implementation of key elements of the governor’s urban renewal agenda through the JMDB. His responsibilities have included enforcing building regulations, coordinating market reallocations, and supervising infrastructure upgrades across Jos and other urban centres in the state.
A seasoned architect and urban planner, Bankat is also known for his background in civic activism and politics. In his current role, he has led efforts to strengthen urban planning compliance and improve the aesthetics and functionality of metropolitan areas, initiatives the state government says are aimed at sustainable development.Bankat’s commitment to the governor has been consistently expressed in public engagements. He has frequently described Governor Mutfwang as his “principal and mentor,” underscoring a professional relationship anchored on shared development goals. In several media interactions, he has highlighted strategies for building a “new Plateau,” with a focus on modern urban renewal and inclusive growth.He has also praised the Mutfwang administration for creating what he described as an enabling environment for local innovators and professionals, particularly in the built environment sector.
According to him, policy clarity and political support have been crucial to the progress recorded at the JMDB.One of the major policy initiatives under Bankat’s supervision is the implementation of Executive Order 003, signed by Governor Mutfwang, which prioritises urban planning enforcement and orderly development across the state. The policy has driven renewed attention to land use regulations and development control. Governor Mutfwang’s recent defection from the PDP to the APC marked a significant political shift in Plateau State. Bankat’s swift decision to decamp alongside the governor has been widely interpreted as a move to ensure continuity in governance and policy execution, particularly within the urban development framework.
Political observers note that Bankat’s alignment reflects loyalty to leadership and policy direction rather than party affiliation. His transition to the APC is expected to maintain operational stability at the JMDB while adapting to the state’s new political landscape. As Plateau State navigates this transition, Bankat is expected to remain a key figure in shaping urban development under Governor Mutfwang’s leadership. Stakeholders say his continued role could help sustain momentum on infrastructure renewal and city planning reforms, regardless of shifting party dynamics.
