Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the defection of Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as further proof that the ruling party has become a truly national platform.
Shettima spoke on Tuesday at a grand rally held at the Jos Polo Ground to formally receive Mutfwang into the APC, alongside his Deputy Governor, Josephine Piyo, Senator Pam Nwadkou Dachungyang (Plateau North), members of the State House of Assembly, federal lawmakers, local government chairmen and several opposition leaders.
The event officially made Mutfwang the 29th APC governor and was attended by top party leaders, including APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, who presented the governor with the party’s flag and broom symbol.
Also present were leaders of the National Assembly led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, as well as APC governors under the leadership of Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Hope Uzodimma. Party supporters from across Plateau’s 17 local government areas turned out in large numbers.
Speaking at the rally, Shettima said Plateau’s entry into the APC underscored the importance of unity built on shared national purpose.
“To have Plateau in the All Progressives Congress is to show the world that we are prepared to be the party for all Nigerians,” he said.
He paid tribute to Plateau’s historic contributions to national unity, referencing past leaders including Gen. Yakubu Gowon, and assured Mutfwang of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s full recognition and support within the party.
Shettima also announced that President Tinubu had approved the construction of the Akwanga–Jos Road and the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security in Plateau State.
The vice president described Mutfwang as a unifying leader and commended his administration’s efforts in peacebuilding, renewable energy deployment for healthcare facilities, agricultural expansion, transport infrastructure and people-focused budgeting.
In his remarks, APC Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda pledged full support for Mutfwang’s re-election, declaring that opposition parties in the state had largely collapsed into the APC.
“APC now has 29 states. We are expecting more. Our intention is that everyone becomes a member of APC,” Yilwatda said, adding that the PDP platform was “sinking.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the defection had firmly positioned the North Central zone as an APC stronghold and predicted victory for both President Tinubu and Governor Mutfwang in the next general election.
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen urged the governor to pursue reconciliation and inclusive leadership to foster unity in Plateau.
In his acceptance speech, Mutfwang said his decision to join the APC was aimed at uniting Plateau and positioning the state for peace and development.
“We are not defecting; we are realigning. We have come to add value. Plateau will be united, and there will be no more division,” he said, pledging support for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
Meanwhile, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka dismissed concerns that the wave of defections could lead to a one-party state, describing the movement as a reflection of growing confidence in the Tinubu administration.
“We cannot stop politicians from joining our party. It is democratic, and it reflects belief in a resurging Nigeria,” Morka said.