A Political Funeral in Jos: The Death of Mama Lydia Yilwatda
The funeral of Mama Lydia Yilwatda, the mother of Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), took a political turn over the weekend in Jos, the capital of Plateau State. The event, initially expected to be a solemn occasion, transformed into a significant political gathering ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mama Lydia passed away in August 2025 at the age of 83 and was laid to rest last Saturday. The 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 for final interment. However, what was supposed to be a quiet mourning ceremony quickly turned into a political spectacle.
In the days leading up to the burial, numerous banners and billboards appeared across Jos, sponsored by politicians, government officials, organizations, and party support groups. This raised questions among political observers, who noted the unusual delay in the burial. Plateau’s cultural practices typically do not allow 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 when it was confirmed that President Tinubu would attend the funeral. 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 addressed an open letter to the president, criticizing the timing of his visit. They 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, urging the public to ignore it.
Campaign banners on display
On Saturday, the politicization 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, adding to the festive atmosphere.
There was also a noticeable collapse of party divisions, as supporters of both the 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.’
Although Governor Caleb 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 favor. This sentiment is rooted in what they describe as Tinubu’s genuine commitment to Plateau’s economic development and security.
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.
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. He said the President’s visit meant a lot not only to the Yilwatda family but also to the entire people of Plateau State.
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.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also commended Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a ‘unifier bringing together all faiths, regions, and political divides.’ He noted that all former governors of Plateau State were present, irrespective of political party. The people of Plateau had shown tremendous affection and excitement at the president’s visit.
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 criticized the development, noting that Plateau’s political culture had once again overshadowed decency and decorum.
