The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has declared that the people of Plateau State desire peace above all else and that the All Progressives Congress (APC) under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to restoring lasting stability in the state.
Akpabio made the remarks on Saturday at the Jos Polo Field, where he joined APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshewe, APC governors, federal lawmakers, and other party stalwarts to welcome thousands of defectors from the PDP, Labour Party, PRP, and other political parties into the APC.
Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, the Senate President said the mass defection was a clear testimony to the growing acceptance of the APC across the country and a “vindication of the Renewed Hope Administration.”
“The APC Is Your Home” — Akpabio Tells Decampees
Akpabio assured the new entrants that they would be treated fairly and given opportunities to contribute to the party’s growth at all levels.
He recalled his previous visits to Plateau State and stated that the next time he returns, “it will be for celebration,” adding that the signs of political realignment strongly favour the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Senate President, who described President Tinubu as “a political lion,” told the crowd not to fear, saying the APC was united and ready to deliver victories in Plateau.
Akpabio spoke passionately about the security challenges in Plateau State, lamenting the loss of lives over the years.
“Plateau is looking for peace,” he said. “Children have been murdered, families displaced, and many are living as IDPs in their own state. Nigeria is crying. The President is not happy with these killings, and we at the center are committed to bringing peace to Plateau.”
He warned that anyone aspiring to lead the state must be fully committed to peace and peaceful coexistence.
Some of the prominent defectors include: Former Senator for Plateau North, Sen. I.D. Gyang, Former Labour Party Governorship Candidate, Patrick Dakum, Former APC State Chairman and ex-Special Adviser, Chief Latep Dabang, Serving House of Representatives Member for Jos North/Bassa, Hon. Daniel Asama, Hon. Dalyop Fom, Member representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom
Akpabio described the arrivals as “political tigers” whose entry will strengthen the APC in the state.
APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshewe said the APC is more united than ever and has the political firepower to win back Plateau State in 2027.
He commended President Tinubu for providing leadership and called on members to remain cohesive under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, praised the growing popularity of the APC, saying the party continues to attract “people of substance” from other political platforms.
Chairman of the North Central Governors Forum, Engr. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, described Plateau as a “strong APC state,” noting that many political leaders within the current state government had defected back to the APC.
Former Plateau Governor and APC leader in the state, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, said the rally vindicated the APC’s resilience despite what he described as attempts by the PDP-led government to erase the party’s legacies.
Lalong cited the sacking of elected local government chairmen, removal of civil servants and permanent secretaries, and abandonment of key projects as actions that disappointed the people, leading many back to the APC.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, a former Special Adviser to Governor Caleb Mutfwang said they left the PDP due to “deceit, oppression, and failure to perform.” He commended President Tinubu, National Chairman Nentawe, and Senator Lalong for keeping the APC strong and attractive on the Plateau.
Hon. Rufus Bature, APC Chairman in Plateau State, assured the defectors of equal opportunities and urged them to work together to rebuild the party.
