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.
