Shettima in Jos welcomes Mutfwang as Plateau joins APC political realignment

Kashim Shettima, Nigeria’s vice president, on Tuesday declared Plateau State a symbol of Nigeria’s unity as Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jos, describing the move as a historic step toward national cohesion and political realignment ahead of 2027.

Speaking at the official decamping ceremony, Shettima said Plateau’s history and contributions to Nigeria underscored the strength of unity built on shared purpose rather than uniformity.

He recalled the role of Plateau-born leaders in holding the nation together during critical moments in its history, particularly during the Nigerian Civil War.

Shettima paid tribute to Yakubu Gowon, noting that the former Head of State exemplified reconciliation and healing at Nigeria’s darkest hour.

“Nigeria survived not by conquest, but by healing,” he said, while also honouring fallen military officers from Plateau whose sacrifices preserved the nation’s unity.

The Vice President said the inclusion of Plateau State in the APC demonstrated the party’s readiness to be a national platform for all Nigerians, stressing that the state’s impact in politics, commerce, scholarship, arts and peacebuilding had enriched the country beyond measure.

He further highlighted Plateau’s long tradition of political leadership, referencing figures such as Solomon Lar, Fidelis Tapgun, Joshua Dariye, Pauline Tallen and Simon Bako Lalong, whom he said helped redefine consensus-building and inclusive governance in Nigeria.

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According to Shettima, the presence of Nentawe Yilwatda as APC National Chairman reflected Plateau’s enduring relevance in national leadership, adding that the party benefitted from the state’s culture of moderation and bridge-building.

Welcoming Mutfwang into the APC, Shettima described the governor as “a force for unity and a proven change-maker,” noting that his administration had prioritised dialogue, justice and equity in a state long affected by political polarisation and conflict.

He cited Mutfwang’s initiatives in peacebuilding, renewable energy for primary healthcare centres, agricultural expansion, transport connectivity, education and youth empowerment as evidence of leadership anchored on service. “We are proud to welcome you aboard the APC train,” Shettima said.

Also speaking, Nentawe Yilwatda, APC National Chairman, said the party was now stronger, better prepared and more united, declaring that justice, peace and unity remained the pillars of the APC’s philosophy on the Plateau.

“There must be no tribal or religious difference; we must move in one direction as one people,” Yilwatda said.

Yilwatda added that the APC’s broom symbolised collective strength, stressing that unity was necessary to sweep away division, corruption and injustice, while assuring supporters that Plateau would play a key role in the party’s national fortunes.

In his remarks, Mutfwang described the day as historic, saying his decision to join the APC marked the beginning of a journey to reposition Plateau as a decisive political force.

“It is better to follow the man who knows the road,” he said, pledging support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

The governor said Plateau’s alignment with the APC would strengthen the North-Central’s political voice, emphasising that unity within the party would end rivalries and deliver progress. “Individually, we cannot sweep, but together, we are effective,” Mutfwang said.

BusinessDay reports that the Vice President was accompanied to the event by leaders of the National Assembly led by Godswill Akpabio, members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, and several top APC chieftains from across the country, whose presence underscored the party’s full endorsement of the decamping and the strategic importance of Plateau State in the ruling party’s national calculations.