In the often turbulent terrain of party politics, where divisions, defections and distrust easily weaken political structures, the Plateau State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rt. Hon. Rufus Bature, has emerged as a steadying force—one whose leadership style has not only united the party but also repositioned it as the dominant political platform in the state.
From party faithfuls at the grassroots to stakeholders across the 17 local government areas, a growing consensus is forming: the APC in Plateau State has found a unifier, a strategist and a builder in Hon. Rufus Bature, and many now openly call for his re-election to consolidate the gains recorded under his watch.
A Journey Built on Grit, Not Privilege
Hon. Rufus Bature’s political story is one of resilience and determination. Not born with a silver spoon, his rise to prominence has been driven by hard work, discipline and an unwavering belief in long-term vision over short-term gains.
A calculative and deft political mind,
Bature is known for shunning opportunistic politics, choosing instead to build enduring relationships anchored on trust, loyalty and shared purpose.
This approach explains his remarkable political journey, including his election twice into the Plateau State House of Assembly, even under opposition platforms—an achievement that underscored his grassroots appeal and political credibility.
Legislative Excellence and Political Courage
Between 1999 and 2007, Hon. Bature distinguished himself in the Plateau State House of Assembly as one of the most effective lawmakers of his era. His legislative contributions, clarity of argument and principled stance on issues of public importance earned him wide respect among colleagues and observers alike. Rising to become Minority Leader, he demonstrated uncommon courage and leadership at a time when opposition politics demanded conviction and sacrifice.
His decision to align with the then relatively unknown All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State was, by many accounts, a classic David-versus-Goliath gamble. Yet, Bature stood firm when it mattered most. As Director-General of the Lalong/Tyoden Campaign Council, he played a central role in leading the APC to a resounding victory, effectively changing the political narrative of the state.
Administrative Wizardry and Governance Impact
Hon. Bature’s leadership credentials were further cemented during his tenure as Secretary to the Plateau State Government (SGS) under the Rescue Administration of Sen. Simon Bako Lalong. At a time when Plateau State yearned for stability, his administrative acumen contributed significantly to restoring relative peace and improving governance structures.
His experience at the highest level of state administration provided him with a deep understanding of governance, coordination and consensus-building—qualities that would later define his success as APC State Chairman.
Standing Firm When Others Wavered
Since 2013, Hon. Rufus Bature has remained steadfast in the APC, even during periods when the political tide pushed many party members into the opposition PDP. While others defected, he stayed, nurtured and defended the party through difficult times. That loyalty, party insiders say, laid the foundation for today’s APC dominance in Plateau State.
His eventual emergence as State Chairman of the APC, through consensus after other aspirants stepped down, reflected not just political goodwill but also widespread confidence in his leadership capacity.
Building One APC Family
Former Governor Sen. Simon Bako Lalong aptly described the APC in Plateau as “one huge family,” a sentiment widely credited to the inclusive leadership style of Hon. Bature. The peaceful and consensus-driven state congress that produced the current executive committee was hailed as a testament to party maturity, unity of purpose and internal democracy.
Under Bature’s leadership, internal rancour gave way to dialogue, factionalism yielded to cooperation, and the party emerged stronger and more cohesive. This unity translated into electoral success, most notably the APC’s clean sweep of all 17 local government areas in recent local government elections.
From PDP Stronghold to APC Home
Perhaps the most striking achievement of Hon. Rufus Bature’s tenure is the political realignment of Plateau State itself. Once regarded as a PDP stronghold, the state has now firmly embraced the APC, with the sitting Governor, Deputy Governor, State Executive Council members and Local Government Chairmen all defecting to the ruling party.
Notably, the Northern Zone, once a PDP fortress and Bature’s home base, has witnessed mass defections to the APC—including serving and former National Assembly members, former state lawmakers, commissioners and council chairmen. Political analysts attribute this shift largely to Bature’s reconciliatory approach and credibility across divides.
Calls for Continuity and Re-election
With unity restored and electoral victories recorded, party stakeholders now argue that continuity is essential. Many believe that allowing Hon. Rufus Bature to continue in office beyond 2027 will guarantee stability, deepen internal democracy and position the APC for sustained success.
Analysts maintain that his experience spanning legislative leadership, executive administration and party organization places him in a unique position to steer the APC to even greater heights. His loyalty to the National Secretariat and the founding ideals of the APC further strengthens his standing among party elders.
A Mandate Rooted in Performance
Across Plateau State, voices from National and State Assembly members, party elders, youths and women leaders are increasingly united in their endorsement of the current APC leadership. Their message is clear: performance should be rewarded, unity sustained and success consolidated.
As the APC in Plateau State looks to the future, one reality stands out the achievements recorded so far are inseparable from the dynamic, inclusive and capacity-driven leadership of Rt. Hon. Rufus Bature. In a political era desperate for credible leadership, his story offers a compelling case for continuity, stability and progress.
