Applauds Gov. Mutfwang’s leadership, says APC is home for believers in unity and inclusive development
Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the formal entry of Plateau State into the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a clear affirmation that the ruling party remains a truly national platform open to all Nigerians committed to unity, peace and inclusive development.
He said the APC is the political destination for citizens who believe in a united future for Nigeria, stressing that the party is firmly anchored on national cohesion and inclusive governance.
Speaking on Tuesday at the grand reception of Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, and his supporters into the APC at the Jos Polo Field, the Vice President said the political realignment underscores Nigeria’s shared destiny.
“Plateau reminds us that what powers every nation is unity—unity rooted not in sameness, but in shared purpose. It is on that basis that we gather here today,” Shettima declared.
He recalled Plateau State’s historic contributions to Nigeria’s unity and survival, paying tribute to former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, and other military and diplomatic icons from the state whose roles, he said, were pivotal during critical moments in the nation’s history.
“In General Gowon, Plateau gave Nigeria a leader whose strength lay in reconciliation. His legacy teaches us that nations endure not by conquest, but by healing,” the Vice President said, noting that the sacrifices of Plateau’s people are deeply woven into Nigeria’s collective survival.
Shettima also conveyed assurances from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that Governor Mutfwang would enjoy full recognition and standing within the APC, describing good governance as a vital asset to any political party genuinely committed to national progress.
According to him, Plateau’s entry into the APC reflects the party’s readiness to embrace diversity and build consensus across political, ethnic and religious divides, adding that the state’s contributions to national development span commerce, education, arts and peacebuilding.
“To welcome Plateau into the APC is to demonstrate to the world that we are indeed prepared to be the party for all Nigerians,” he said.
The Vice President further highlighted Plateau’s tradition of progressive political leadership, referencing figures such as Solomon Lar and Fidelis Tapgun, whom he said helped shape Nigeria’s political culture through dialogue, inclusion and consensus-building.
Commending Governor Mutfwang, Shettima described him as a unifying leader whose administration is steering Plateau away from conflict and stagnation towards peace and transformation. He praised the governor’s initiatives in peacebuilding, renewable energy deployment for primary healthcare centres, agricultural expansion, transport infrastructure renewal, and people-focused budgets prioritising education, healthcare and youth empowerment.
Earlier, Senate President Godswill Akpabio applauded APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, for what he described as delivering Plateau State to the APC. He assured Governor Mutfwang of victory in 2027, noting that his defection completes APC’s political presence in the North Central zone.
Akpabio also said President Tinubu has been inclusive and Christian-friendly, pledging leadership for all Nigerians. He prayed for the repose of victims of past crises in Plateau State and pledged that the National Assembly would appropriate funds to support the return of displaced persons in Plateau and other conflict-affected areas.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, described the event as historic, noting that Plateau was the last state in the North Central zone to join the APC. He said the development confirms the zone as fully APC, expressing confidence in the party as Nigeria’s leading political platform.
He urged Governor Mutfwang to embrace reconciliation and provide inclusive leadership as the APC leader in the state.
In his remarks, APC National Chairman, Prof. Yilwatda, described the governor’s entry as massive, revealing that candidates from several other political parties have also joined the APC. He expressed confidence that Plateau people would support President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, assuring overwhelming victories for both the President and Governor Mutfwang.
Prof. Yilwatda pledged that the APC would promote social justice, equity and sustainable peace in Plateau State through inclusive governance involving both Christians and Muslims.
Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, speaking on behalf of APC governors, described Governor Mutfwang as “one of the best and brightest,” assuring that Plateau State would experience renewed progress under the APC.
Similarly, Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, said the APC was now complete in the North Central region, assuring that the zone would massively support President Tinubu in 2027.
Explaining his decision to join the APC, Governor Mutfwang said Plateau State chose a new path to reposition itself and give full support to President Tinubu’s re-election. He praised the President’s commitment to national unity and development, urging Nigerians to work together to stabilise the country.
The governor also acknowledged Vice President Shettima’s role in his decision to defect, saying the Vice President provided the encouragement that convinced him to join the APC.
