News

Akpabio Welcomes Mass Defectors to APC, Vows to Deliver Peace in Plateau State

Published

7 months ago

November 16, 2025

vicky

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has reaffirmed that the people of Plateau State yearn for peace more than anything else, assuring that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are committed to restoring lasting stability in the state.

Akpabio made the remarks on Saturday at the Jos Polo Field during a major political rally where thousands of defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, PRP, and several other platforms formally joined the APC. The event was attended by APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshewe, governors, federal lawmakers, and top party leaders.

Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, the Senate President described the mass defection as evidence of the party’s rising popularity nationwide and a “clear vindication of the Renewed Hope Administration.”

“The APC Is Your Home” — Akpabio Tells Decampees

Akpabio assured the new entrants that they would receive fair treatment and be given opportunities to contribute to the party’s growth. He said his next visit to Plateau State “will be for celebration,” pointing to the strong signs of political realignment favouring the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Describing President Tinubu as “a political lion,” he urged party faithful not to entertain fear, insisting that the APC remains united and prepared to secure electoral victories across Plateau.

Akpabio also spoke emotionally about the state’s long-standing security challenges, lamenting the killings and displacement of residents.

“Plateau is looking for peace,” he said. “Children have been murdered, families displaced, and many are living as IDPs in their own state. The President is not happy with these killings, and we at the center are committed to bringing peace to Plateau.”

He stressed that anyone seeking to govern the state must demonstrate genuine commitment to peace and peaceful coexistence.

Prominent Politicians Join APC

Notable figures who defected include former Senator for Plateau North, Sen. I.D. Gyang; former Labour Party governorship candidate, Patrick Dakum; former APC state chairman, Chief Latep Dabang; House of Representatives member for Jos North/Bassa, Hon. Daniel Asama; and Hon. Dalyop Fom, representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom.

Akpabio hailed them as “political tigers” whose entry would strengthen the APC in Plateau State.

Party Leaders Express Confidence Ahead of 2027

APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshewe said the party is more united than ever and fully prepared to reclaim Plateau State in 2027. He praised President Tinubu for providing strong leadership and urged members to remain steadfast under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, also applauded the influx of “people of substance” into the APC, describing it as proof of the party’s growing appeal.

Chairman of the North Central Governors Forum, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, described Plateau as “naturally an APC state,” noting that several political leaders within the current administration had already retraced their steps back to the party.

Former Plateau Governor and APC leader, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, said the rally vindicated the perseverance of APC members despite what he described as efforts by the PDP-led state government to suppress the party’s achievements. He accused the state government of sacking elected local government chairmen, removing civil servants, and abandoning key projects, saying these actions pushed many leaders back to the APC.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, a former Special Adviser under Governor Caleb Mutfwang said they left the PDP due to “deceit, oppression, and failure to perform,” praising President Tinubu, Prof. Nentawe, and Senator Lalong for keeping the APC strong on the Plateau.

APC State Chairman, Hon. Rufus Bature, assured the defectors of equal opportunities and urged them to work collectively to rebuild the party and strengthen its chances in the next election cycle.

News

PDP factions disowns Pantami, names different governorship candidates in Gombe

Published

3 minutes ago

June 25, 2026

Preport

A fresh crisis has emerged in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State as two rival factions have announced different governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 election.

The faction led by Tanimu Turaki has presented Mohammed Yayari as its governorship candidate. Yayari received his Certificate of Return during a ceremony on Wednesday alongside other candidates from different states.

At the event, party leaders stressed the need for loyalty among candidates and warned against leaving the party after securing nominations.

PDP chieftain Ibrahim Turaki said, “Nobody will take our mandate to another political party and get away with it,” adding that future candidates would sign agreements before their names are submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The party’s National Organising Secretary, Theophilus Shan, said, “We are ready to go into the elections prepared with our candidates.”

Meanwhile, another PDP faction held a separate National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja, where former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, was officially presented as the party’s governorship candidate for Gombe State.

The rival group, led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, also presented Certificates of Return to candidates it said had been recognised and published by INEC.

Pantami’s emergence has deepened the leadership dispute within the PDP in Gombe, with both factions now backing different candidates for the same governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 election.

Entertainment

PLABOMA to Launch Unified Bloggers Platform at World Social Media Day Celebration

Published

20 minutes ago

June 25, 2026

vicky

The Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA) has announced plans to unveil a Unified Bloggers Online Platform during the 2026 World Social Media Day Celebration scheduled to hold in Jos, Plateau State.

The unveiling, which is expected to be one of the major highlights of the event, is aimed at fostering collaboration, strengthening professional networking, and promoting a more coordinated digital media community across the state.

The World Social Media Day Celebration is slated for Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at the Usiju World Event Center, near the Plateau State Secretariat, Jos, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Speaking on the significance of the initiative, the organizers said the platform is designed to bring together bloggers, content creators, digital publishers, and online media practitioners under a common structure that encourages information sharing, capacity development, and collective growth within the digital media space.

The event, themed “Digital Voices: Innovation, Creativity and Youth Engagement,” will bring together bloggers, social media influencers, youth leaders, entrepreneurs, students, digital innovators, and members of the public to explore the evolving role of social media in shaping public discourse and empowering young people.

According to PLABOMA, participants will engage in discussions on emerging trends in digital media, content creation, online engagement, and the opportunities available within the digital economy. The celebration is also expected to provide a platform for networking, learning, and collaboration among stakeholders in the media and technology sectors.

The association noted that the launch of the Unified Bloggers Online Platform reflects its commitment to strengthening the voice of online media practitioners in Plateau State while creating opportunities for innovation, mentorship, and professional development.

PLABOMA further encouraged bloggers, content creators, social media influencers, students, entrepreneurs, and other interested members of the public to participate in the event and contribute to conversations on the future of digital communication and youth engagement.

Registration for the event is free and can be completed through the online registration form.

The organizers described the celebration as more than a commemoration of social media, noting that it will serve as a platform for inspiration, collaboration, innovation, and impact among digital media stakeholders in Plateau State and beyond.

For inquiries and partnership opportunities, interested individuals and organizations can contact the organizers via email at plateaubloggers@gmail.com or through the designated telephone lines.

The event is expected to attract a broad spectrum of participants from across the digital media ecosystem as PLABOMA seeks to promote responsible online engagement and harness the transformative power of social media for development.