By HOSEA NYAMLONG & SAMSON EBIRERE
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has assured Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State of his support for the governor’s return to the Little Rayfield Government House in 2027.
Speaking during the grand reception organised by the APC to formally welcome the Executive Governor into the party, Prof. Yilwatda declared: “I will support the governor to return back to Little Rayfield Government House in 2027.”
The event, held at the Jos Polo Field on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, attracted massive crowds, with supporters and party members turning out in large numbers to grace the occasion.
Prof. Yilwatda noted that the APC was actively working to bring more governors into the party and pledged his unwavering support to Governor Mutfwang at all times.
APC flag presentation, political unity
Elected on 24 July 2025 following the resignation of Mallam Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as party chairman on health grounds on June 27, 2025, Prof. Yilwatda presented the APC flag and a broom to Governor Mutfwang during the ceremony.
The presentation symbolised collective support and teamwork, aimed at moving Plateau State to the next level.
He stated that all political parties that contested in Plateau State have now collapsed into the APC, making the party stronger and more united.
Prof. Yilwatda described Plateau State as “United Plateau—not united in football, but united in politics and religion.”
Governor Mutfwang, who formally defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC on January 2, 2026, explained that his decision was guided by the principle of creating an inclusive political space where all citizens of Plateau State could freely express themselves.
He described joining the APC as a great honour, not only for himself but for the people of Plateau State, and revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally invited him to join the ruling party’s “moving train.”
He stressed that unity within the APC remained the most viable path toward national cohesion, peace and progress, and emphasized that aligning Plateau State with the Federal Government would enhance security, infrastructure development and economic growth.
Following his defection, Governor Mutfwang was officially presented with APC membership card number 31110100001 by the APC State Chairman, Hon. Rufus Bature, confirming his status as a bona fide member of the party.
Citizens observed that his political realignment represented a strategic and courageous move to advance his ‘The Time Is Now’ vision and aligned Plateau State with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Senate President, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, welcomed Governor Mutfwang into the APC and described the move as a positive step toward sustainable development in Plateau State.
He maintained that political unity would translate into tangible benefits for the people, including improved security, increased infrastructure and broader socio-economic development.
He further noted that the spirit of unity would strengthen love and cooperation among citizens, creating an enabling environment for growth and stability.
Federal support, development promises
The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, representing President Tinubu, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of peace and unity as foundations for national development.
He also announced that the Federal Government had approved the immediate recruitment of 1,000 Plateau youth into federal employment and ordered the resumption of the dualisation of the Akwanga–Jos Road, underscoring the administration’s commitment to translating political unity into tangible development outcomes.
Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, urged Governor Mutfwang to embrace all citizens, noting that as the father of the state, dialogue was key.
He wished the governor the best and prayed for God’s wisdom and guidance in his leadership of the state.
Hon. Rufus Bature, Plateau State APC Chairman, in his welcome address, assured citizens and dignitaries of the party’s total support for Governor Mutfwang.
He described the event as a historic milestone marking a new chapter of unity and political realignment in Plateau State. Bature reaffirmed the party’s commitment to working closely with Governor Mutfwang to deliver good governance, peace, sustainable development and employment opportunities.
He urged party members, supporters and stakeholders to remain united and supportive of the governor’s vision, stressing that collective effort and inclusiveness were essential to achieving meaningful progress and prosperity for the state.