Former Plateau LP Guber Aspirant, Yohana Margif, Passes Away

Nigeria

The Plateau State chapter of the Labour Party has been plunged into mourning following the death of Ambassador Yohana Y.D. Margif, a prominent businessman, philanthropist, and former gubernatorial aspirant.

Ambassador Margif, popularly known by his traditional title Wazirin Mushere, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) following a prolonged illness.

A Controversial Political Legacy

In a statement released from the party’s State Secretariat in Jos, the State Chairman, Comrade Solomon Ndam, hailed Margif as the man who “sponsored and brought the Labour Party to electoral acceptance” in Plateau State.

The statement also revisited the 2023 political crisis that saw Margif lose his spot on the ballot. While Margif was initially the party’s governorship candidate, he was replaced under controversial circumstances involving a disputed resignation—a move the party now describes as “electoral forgery.”

Comrade Ndam, who served as Margif’s Campaign Director General at the time, noted that the internal friction ultimately led to the party’s defeat and paved the way for the emergence of the current governor, Caleb Mutfwang. Despite the legal and political battles, Ndam emphasized that Margif died having “forgiven all those that participated” in the maneuverings against him.

Philanthropy and Peacebuilding

Beyond the political arena, Ambassador Margif was celebrated for his extensive humanitarian work. Key highlights of his service to the state include:

• Peace Initiatives: Actively contributing to peace efforts during the Yelwa Shendam crisis.
• IDP Support: Donating building materials and foodstuffs to Internally Displaced Persons.
• Infrastructure: Building and donating a brand-new palace for the Mushere Chiefdom.
• Education: Providing scholarships to students and donating vehicles to various religious and community organizations.

Labour Party Reacts

“The Labour Party is proud of Ambassador Yohana Margif’s achievements,” Comrade Ndam stated. “We will ever remain grateful to a man who has given his whole in life for the betterment of his community, state, and Nigeria at large.”

The party extended its deepest condolences to the Yilpwan family and urged all citizens of Plateau State to support the bereaved family during this period of mourning. Burial arrangements are expected to be announced by the family shortly.