News

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

Published

12 months ago

November 16, 2025

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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

Those criticising APC on insecurity did nothing for 20 years – Yari

Published

36 minutes ago

November 14, 2026

PlateauReports

The Director-General of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, APC-PCC, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, has criticised those accusing the ruling party of failing to address insecurity, saying they did nothing to tackle the problem for over 20 years.

Yari made the remarks on Saturday during the APC presidential rally in Jos, Plateau State, while defending the administration of President Bola Tinubu against criticisms over its handling of insecurity.

"Those who are saying we don't have a plan for security, I want to remind them that they did nothing about insecurity for over 20 years because it started during their time," Yari said

The former governor of Zamfara State assured Nigerians that the APC would implement its manifesto, adding that the party expected to achieve almost all its promises by 2031.

Yari also expressed confidence in the APC's chances in Plateau State ahead of the 2027 general election.

He said political leaders and influential figures in the state had assured President Tinubu of their support.

Yari further praised Tinubu's leadership, particularly over the increase in revenue accruing to the Federation Account.

He recalled that the President inherited a federation account balance of N732 billion in June 2023, but said the figure had since risen to trillions of naira.

Those criticising APC on insecurity did nothing for 20 years – Yari

News

2027: We won't endorse any politician, political party – Yoruba Imams, Alfas

Published

40 minutes ago

November 14, 2026

PlateauReports

The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has declared that it would not endorse any politician or political party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Chairman, Board of Trustees of the League, Sheikh Muhammad Habibullah Adam Abdullahi El-Ilory, made this declaration at the opening of a three-day conference organised by the League for Imams, Alfas, political office holders and traditional rulers.

The event, which took place in Ibadan on Saturday, was attended by Governor Seyi Makinde, President of the League, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiy Abubakar, Alfa Agba of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulbari Adetunji, Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola, Secretary General of the League, Sheikh Mustapha Oseni Adewale Hamzat and Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrim Welfare Board (Muslim Wing) Sheikh Hashim Atere and Professor Kamil Olosho.

Others are Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Daud Akinola, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Olaoye, Onigbeti of Igbeti, Oba Bashir Abioye, Professor Amidu Sanni, Professor Adam Surajudeen and Iyalode Adini of Yorubaland, Alhaja Sedeekat Aderibigbe, alongside other notable Islamic clerics, scholars and Muslims from Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Lagos and Ondo states.

Abdullahi El-Ilory while speaking on behalf of the League, explained that the group cannot declare support or announce any politician or political party as its choice for the forthcoming general elections.

He explained that the only thing the League can do and is still doing is to pray to God to give Nigerians credible leaders that will make life more meaningful for the citizens.

Abdullahi El-Ilory said, "We are religious leaders, we are not politicians, but we are the fathers of politicians. We will not declare support for any political party or politicians.

"We the league of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland cannot declare support or announce our support for any politician or political party. We can only pray to God for Him to give us credible leaders."

Makinde, while addressing the gathering, urged Nigerians to see themselves as one.

He advised Muslim clerics not to allow people to use religion to cause confusion in the forthcoming general elections.

Kewulere, in his contribution, noted that the focus of clerics should be to guide the people and preach the religion of Islam.

He said, "We are not politicians. An Imam is not supposed to be involved in politics. Our focus should be to guide people and preach the religion of Islam in line with the Islamic principles."

Ishola, on his part, explained that the programme was organised in order to ensure unity and cooperation among Muslims in Yorubaland before, during and after the general elections.

2027: We won’t endorse any politician, political party – Yoruba Imams, Alfas