…Says Matter Is a Family Affair, Not for Political Exploitation
Hon. Clinton Garba, a former media aide to ex-Governor Jonah Jang, has responded to the ongoing political rift within the Plateau State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), taking direct aim at Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos, Member representing Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
In a statement addressing recent developments, Garba traced his relationship with Bagos back to their first meeting through the late Senator G.N.S. Pwajok—a connection he described as rooted in unfortunate circumstances, which he declined to elaborate on for now.
Despite that, Garba said he supported Bagos’ initial political bid for the House of Representatives, even voting for him along with members of his household. However, according to him, midway through Bagos’ first term, signs of troubling decisions emerged, prompting him to invite the lawmaker for a candid lunch meeting in Abuja.
“During the last election, I and my household again voted for our friend and brother,” Garba stated, noting that his commitment to Bagos was genuine despite later concerns.
He said rumors about a calculated move to undermine the political influence of respected PDP elders, including former Governor Jang, initially seemed like typical political propaganda. But Garba added that he eventually realized the rumors had substance, describing the situation as “a well-orchestrated plan aimed at undermining the decades of hard work that earned the zone the title of ‘beautiful bride’.”
Garba accused Hon. Bagos of unilaterally attempting to impose a PDP Local Government Chairman in Jos South without consulting key party stakeholders.
According to him, “One morning, Baba Jang was alerted by stakeholders that Hon. Bagos and a former Commissioner of Finance, who also serves as Zonal Vice Chairman of the party, had appointed a party chairman in Du without following due process or consultation.”
While acknowledging that the elected chairman had been away and there was an urgent need for a replacement ahead of congresses, Garba said Bagos rejected the acting vice chairman and pushed through a change in leadership with little consultation.
“Stakeholders met and agreed to revert to the previous status quo, but it was a tough battle,” Garba noted. “Baba Jang called two meetings to resolve the issue, but Bagos was the only major stakeholder absent, insisting on his preferred choice.”
He also criticized Bagos’ actions during the run-up to recent local government elections, stating that while PDP leaders across Plateau encouraged consensus candidates to promote harmony, Bagos disrupted the process in Jos South by backing his legislative aide’s candidacy despite wide opposition.
“Stakeholders had reached consensus on a candidate with the blessing of our leaders, but Hon. Bagos defied appeals and pushed his aide forward. Observers know the role he and his associates played that day,” Garba added.
He accused Bagos of later joining the campaign trail “as if nothing had happened,” quoting Bob Marley: “You can fool some people some of the time, but you can’t fool all the people all the time.”
Garba also took issue with Bagos’ support group, which he accused of politicizing his earlier call for party unity. He noted that despite public appearances suggesting harmony, Bagos had avoided a direct conversation with former Governor Jang until just a week ago.
“Psalm 127 says children are like arrows in the quiver of their parents. As a responsible child, I cannot sit back and watch things go wrong at home,” he said. “This matter is deeply personal to me. It is a family affair that should not be politicized with hidden agendas or used as a tool by support groups throwing stones in the name of loyalty.”
Garba concluded by thanking Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his purposeful leadership and for refusing to endorse actions he believes would reverse the political progress of Plateau State.
“Thank you, Your Excellency, for not supporting actions that could drag us back to Egypt—God forbid,” he said.
