JOS — Fresh political tension is building in Plateau State after businessman and politician, Kefas Ropshik, popularly known as Kefiano, accused the state government of ordering the suspension of activities at a farm site allocated to him at BARCFARMS.
In a statement posted on his verified social media platforms, Kefiano claimed that workers at the farm were instructed to stop operations following a directive from the Plateau State Government.
“Today, workers at the farm site allocated to me last year at BARCFARMS were instructed to suspend operations following a directive from the Plateau State Government,” he wrote.
Kefiano, who emerged runner-up to Governor Caleb Mutfwang during the 2022 PDP governorship primaries, said he understood the realities of politics but warned against what he described as vindictive actions.
“I understand politics, but vindictiveness serves no one. Personally, I am not the victim of this decision. God has blessed me abundantly,” he stated.
According to him, the farm was not established solely for personal benefit, explaining that proceeds from the project, together with earnings from his farms in Shendam and Wase, had largely been channelled toward supporting vulnerable citizens across Plateau State.
“Last season, the proceeds from this farm, alongside those from my farms in Shendam and Wase, were largely directed toward supporting Plateau citizens in need. Despite investing heavily in machinery, inputs, and cultivation, I did not pursue personal profit.”
The politician further argued that the suspension would have far-reaching consequences for ordinary citizens, particularly workers and families dependent on the agricultural project.
“What is regrettable is that this action ultimately affects ordinary people. It denies support to intended beneficiaries and threatens the livelihoods of hundreds of workers from the host community in Bassa who depend on the farm for income and sustenance.”
He also questioned the morality and public interest implications of the decision.
“One must ask: is it consistent with Christian values, or with the solemn oath of public office, to deprive citizens of opportunity and livelihood in pursuit of political interests?”
The controversy comes against the backdrop of a dramatically altered political landscape in Plateau State. Kefiano and Governor Mutfwang were members of the same political family during the 2022 PDP governorship race, where Mutfwang secured the party ticket while Kefiano finished as runner-up.
However, the crisis that later engulfed the PDP led to deep factional divisions. In January 2026, Governor Mutfwang moved to the ruling APC, now led nationally by his former 2023 governorship challenger, Nentawe Yilwatda.
With political alignments shifting ahead of the next electoral cycle, Kefiano is widely viewed as one of the leading figures positioning to challenge Governor Mutfwang in the 2027 governorship contest.
As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Government had not publicly responded to the allegations.
What began as a dispute over a farm project is now rapidly evolving into a political flashpoint, one that could shape the battle lines for Plateau’s 2027 governorship race.
