Philanthropist and politician Chief Kefas Wungak Ropshik has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State, securing a landslide victory in the party's primary election. Ropshik garnered 19,938 votes, defeating three other aspirants in what party stakeholders described as one of the most competitive and widely participated PDP governorship primaries in the state's recent political history.
Grassroots Breakthrough
His emergence is viewed as a major political breakthrough for the grassroots politician from Garram in Kanke Local Government Area. His campaign gained significant momentum across all 17 local government areas of the state ahead of the exercise. Delegates and party faithful from across Plateau participated in the primary, which observers said reflected intense political mobilization and consultations within the party.
Victory Speech
Speaking shortly after being declared winner, Ropshik dedicated the victory to God and thanked party leaders, delegates, supporters, and the people of Plateau State for entrusting him with the party's governorship ticket. He emphasized that the victory transcended personal ambition, describing it as a collective aspiration to build a more united, peaceful, and prosperous Plateau State.
“I accept this mandate with a heart full of gratitude to God Almighty, whose grace has sustained this journey from the humble soil of Garram in Kanke to this defining moment in our state's political history,” he said.
The PDP candidate reiterated his “Plateau First” philosophy, stressing that his ambition is anchored on service, inclusiveness, accountable leadership, and sustainable development. Reflecting on his upbringing in rural Plateau, Ropshik said he understands the challenges confronting ordinary citizens and pledged to prioritize security, economic growth, youth empowerment, investment, transparent governance, and social inclusion if elected governor.
“I humbly accept the nomination of our great party with gratitude and a renewed commitment to place Plateau First. This victory belongs to the people, and together we will build a united, secure and prosperous Plateau. The journey begins now,” he added.
One-Term Pledge
Ropshik also publicly pledged to serve only one four-year term if elected governor, stating that the decision aligns with the state's zoning arrangement aimed at preserving peace, stability, and unity. “Keeping in line with the already laid out zoning agreement that keeps the peace, stability and unity of the Plateau people together, I intend to spend just four years in government, which by the special grace of God will usher in the impact of an eight-year administration,” he stated.
The declaration drew applause from delegates and supporters, many of whom described it as a demonstration of political discipline and commitment to fairness and inclusiveness in the state.
Call for Unity
The governorship candidate called on other aspirants and party members to unite ahead of the general election, stressing that the primary contest was over and that the collective task of rebuilding Plateau State must now take precedence. He also appealed for unity across ethnic, religious, and political divides, assuring citizens that his administration would be guided by justice, competence, compassion, urgency, and accountability.
Ropshik, founder of Kefiano Group and Kefiano Autos, now heads into the next phase of the governorship race with supporters expressing confidence that his private sector experience and grassroots appeal could reshape governance in Plateau State.
