The Plateau State chapter of the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has reached a historic milestone with the successful election of new executives to steer the affairs of performing artists and creatives in the state.
The election, which took place on Saturday at the Bridge Hotel in Jos, saw music producer and entertainment entrepreneur Gabriel Hodus Elmore—widely known as “The Mayor of Jos”—emerge as the new Governor of PMAN Plateau. In what has been described as one of the most transparent contests in the union’s history, 82 accredited members peacefully cast their votes, affirming the credibility of the process.
Gabriel Hodus (Mayor of Jos – Elmore) as Governor
Eunice Weng Nyam as 1st Vice
Christopher Deshe (Qriztyle Deshe) as Secretary
Deborah Nanbyen Duke (Debbie Lex) as Treasurer
Amb Victor Lukas Mashat (Eski Laka) as Publicity Secretary
Silas Igeh (Lex Sounds) as Provost
Rebetnan Nancy Danjuma (Cadmeal) as Welfare 1
Jugu Paul Wash (Dapper Jay) as Welfare 2
Elmore, who expressed excitement after his victory, pledged to reposition Plateau State as Nigeria’s leading entertainment hub.
“This is the beginning of a new era,” he declared. “Plateau used to be the heart of Nigerian entertainment, producing stars like M.I, Jesse Jagz, and the Choc Boys. My mission is to recreate an even bigger version of that era. I have a ten-point agenda to support artists, increase their visibility, and ensure they get the recognition and opportunities they deserve. Trust me, if they don’t ‘blow,’ hold me responsible.”
The election drew the participation of key stakeholders, representatives of government, and leading voices from the creative sector.
Barr. Ezra Jinang, Special Adviser to the Plateau State Governor on Creativity and Entertainment, monitored the process and described it as a landmark moment for the state’s creative industry.
“This is one of the biggest days for Plateau entertainment,” Jinang said. “The election shows that the industry is taking a giant leap forward. Government is paying attention, and in the coming months, we will host an all-inclusive creative summit and roll out programs to revive Plateau’s glory days.”
Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Silas Muhammad Abdulsalam, commended the peaceful and credible conduct of the polls. He highlighted that the exercise restored the right of Plateau musicians to freely choose their leadership after years of external impositions.
Observers from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment also endorsed the process. Obakiyesi Henry, Controller of the Federal Ministry of Labour, Plateau Office, noted that the peaceful outcome reflects the maturity of the state’s entertainment community, while stressing the importance of the creative sector in boosting Nigeria’s economy.
Outgoing Governor, Ambassador Comrade Humphrey Color, described his tenure as both challenging and rewarding. “It has been a hectic journey, but I am glad we united entertainers, gave visibility to PMAN Plateau, and built a strong relationship with government. I am confident the new administration will build on this foundation,” he said.
The election outcome was warmly received by artists across the state. Female rapper PJ Mistic called it a “stepping stone” for creatives, while reggae artist Jah Device and hip-hop act Lyrical Dr. Smith described it as a unifying moment that could open doors of empowerment for struggling musicians.
Widely hailed as one of the fairest elections in the association’s history, the process has set a new standard for the state’s entertainment sector. The inauguration of the new executives, led by Gabriel Elmore, is expected in the coming days and will attract prominent stakeholders from across the country.
