President Tinubu Commends Plateau’s Political Realignment With APC, Urges Collective Support to Strengthen Democracy

…APC National Chairman Pledges Full Backing for Governor Mutfwang

The Polo Field, Jos, was a sea of party faithful, supporters, and residents on Tuesday as Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, was formally received into the All Progressives Congress (APC) in what many described as a defining moment in the state’s political history.

Addressing the mammoth crowd, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, described Plateau State as “a miniature Nigeria whose rich diversity, if properly harnessed, can significantly drive national growth and development.”

The President made the remarks at the grand reception organised to officially welcome Governor Mutfwang into the APC at the Polo Field in Jos North Local Government Area.

Formally receiving the Governor into the Progressive Governors’ Forum, President Tinubu noted that the heterogeneous nature of Plateau State calls for purposeful, inclusive, and unifying leadership, stressing that “a richly diverse state requires a focused and dedicated leader who can convert diversity into strength.”

He further described Plateau as “an asset of immense political and economic value to the nation” and urged Governor Mutfwang to continue providing “a level playing field where every citizen can thrive and contribute meaningfully, irrespective of political affiliation, ethnicity, or religion.”

In his response, Governor Mutfwang expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu, the leadership of the APC, and the people of Plateau State for the warm reception, assuring that he remains committed to “teamwork, loyalty, and people-centred governance within this new political family.”

The Governor reaffirmed his steadfast commitment to peace, unity, and sustainable development in Plateau State, while pledging total support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, “this decision is guided solely by the collective interest of Plateau State and the urgent need to fast-track development through stronger collaboration with the Federal Government.”

Governor Mutfwang disclosed that his decision to join the APC followed “wide consultations, fervent prayers, and careful reflection,” adding that the state is poised to occupy a strategic position in national political decision-making as the country moves toward 2027.

In his remarks, National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, formally welcomed the Governor into the party, describing the realignment as “a courageous and unifying step that will reposition Plateau State on the path of accelerated growth and development.”

He noted that with Plateau State becoming the 26th APC-controlled state, the Renewed Hope Agenda will continue to gain momentum nationwide.

Professor Yilwatda assured that Plateau stands to benefit immensely from the new political alignment, emphasizing purposeful leadership, effective service delivery, and the strengthening of peace and unity among political stakeholders. He pledged to personally support Governor Mutfwang ahead of the 2027 elections, assuring that the state would move forward in unity and common purpose.

“Today, I proudly welcome you into the All Progressives Congress, a party that stands for peace, justice, and unity. You are now part of our family. For someone who once contested against you, I consider it both an honour and a responsibility to welcome you. Your entry strengthens our party. The coming together of ‘Generation Next’ and ‘Time Is Now’ reflects a united Plateau. My joy truly knows no bounds,” he said.

“Today, Plateau is united, not only in football, but in politics and in our shared aspirations as a people,” Professor Yilwatda added.

Other dignitaries who spoke at the event, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, Chairman of the Reception Committee, Rt. Hon. Idris Wase and State Chairman of the APC, Hon. Rufus Bature, congratulated Governor Mutfwang and pledged the party’s full support for the success of his administration.

As the nation looks ahead to the 2027 General Elections, speakers at the event emphasized that the political realignment signals renewed cooperation, strengthened democratic governance, and expanded prospects for socio-economic development in Plateau State and Nigeria at large.