…as both leaders pledge to work in unison for peace, unity and development

In a strong demonstration of brotherhood, unity and shared commitment to good governance, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, on Wednesday jointly flagged off the APC electronic membership registration and revalidation exercise in Dengi (Kanam LGA) and Langtang (Langtang North LGA) of Plateau State.

The historic event attracted a large turnout of party faithful, supporters and well-wishers, who gave both leaders a rousing welcome, signalling what many described as a new dawn in Plateau State’s political landscape.

Flagging off the exercise in Dengi, Kanam Local Government Area, the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, said the party embarked on the nationwide e-registration and revalidation exercise to deepen inclusiveness, cohesion and internal democracy within the APC.

He assured party members of a level playing field to pursue their political aspirations, stressing that the APC remains committed to fairness and transparency. Prof. Yilwatda expressed appreciation to the people of Plateau State for their continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the President has taken bold steps to stabilise Nigeria’s economy and reposition the country for sustainable growth.

According to him, “There are clear signs that the sacrifices Nigerians are making today will yield better days ahead.”

Prof. Yilwatda warmly welcomed Governor Mutfwang into the APC, describing their coming together as a deliberate decision taken in the overall interest of peace, unity and the transformation of Plateau State.

He clarified that their political rivalry in 2023 was never personal but based strictly on differing political choices, adding that Plateau State stands to gain immensely from their renewed partnership.

“We were never enemies; we only had political differences. Today marks the beginning of a new political consensus anchored on development and inclusion,” he said.

The APC Chairman noted that political alignment with the federal centre enhances a state’s bargaining power and access to development opportunities.

“When the Governor and the National Chairman walk together, Plateau will attract more projects, more opportunities and a fairer share of national resources,” he stated, expressing confidence that Plateau would give strong support to President Tinubu and the APC in 2027.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang said he had decided to join hands with Prof. Yilwatda in the best interest of Plateau State, urging supporters on all sides to embrace peace, unity and collective progress.

The Governor acknowledged the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to national development, assuring Plateau citizens that working together would guarantee prosperity for the state.

He disclosed that his administration has put measures in place to support farmers with critical inputs to recover losses recorded in the previous farming season, while also assuring the people of Kanam of massive infrastructural development, including schools, primary healthcare facilities and empowerment initiatives aimed at promoting economic self-reliance.

Governor Mutfwang urged citizens to shun drug abuse, embrace peaceful coexistence and channel their energies toward productive ventures that would foster individual and community development.

He further linked the improved security situation in Plateau State to cooperation, shared leadership and institutional trust. “We are taking our destiny into our own hands and moving together as one people. This digital registration exercise will translate our unity into measurable political strength,” he said.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Governor Mutfwang emphasized that a credible and robust membership base would position Plateau as a key player in national politics. He called on traditional rulers, community leaders and stakeholders to mobilise citizens at the grassroots to participate actively in the e-registration exercise.

Both leaders earlier paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Kanam, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Muhammadu Muazu Muhammadu II, seeking the support of the traditional institution in mobilising citizens for the registration exercise and development in the state.

Several party leaders and stakeholders pledged their full support for the exercise, including the Chairman of APC in Plateau State, Hon. Rufus Bature; Member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ephraim Usman; Kanam Local Government Chairman, Hon. Salihu Ayuba Musa; Alhaji Sale Kanam, among others.

Flagging off the exercise in Langtang, Langtang North Local Government Area, Prof. Yilwatda said although they once contested against each other, they are now united in purpose.

“Today, no supporter of Governor Mutfwang will fight me, and none of my supporters will fight Governor Mutfwang. We are all APC. We are building a new Plateau and a new Nigeria based on unity and prosperity,” he said.

He urged citizens to come out en masse and participate actively in the membership registration exercise.

Governor Mutfwang, in his remarks, encouraged residents to obtain their National Identification Number (NIN) and Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to enable them participate fully in the registration and electoral processes.

“We have started a journey of unity with my brother, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, a journey of raising hands together to take Plateau State to greater heights,” the Governor said, while paying tribute to past leaders including Gen. J.D. Gomwalk, Chief Solomon Lar, and Sen. Jonah David Jang for laying a solid foundation for the state.

Dignitaries who spoke at the Langtang North event included the Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Daniel Naalong; Secretary to the State Government, Arc. Samuel Nanchang Jatau; Member representing Langtang North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Vincent Bulus; Chairman, Langtang North LGA, Hon. Pilfa Tyem; Commissioner for Works, Hon. Joshua Laven Ubandoma, among others.

There was also a symbolic presentation of APC membership registration slips to new and existing members in Kanam and Langtang North and South Local Government Areas.

The Governor and the APC National Chairman further paid a royal visit to the Acting Ponzhi Tarok, Mr. Nimnan Langyi, at his palace in Langtang as a mark of respect to the traditional institution, and solicited the support of the traditional council in mobilising citizens for the ongoing exercise.

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Gov. Mutfwang and APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Launch APC e-registration Platform, Pledge Harmonious Working Relationship for Plateau’s Benefit