The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State has unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office, while rejecting any move to admit Governor Caleb Mutfwang into the party.
The resolutions were reached on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Jos, which was attended by APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda; former governor and party leader, Senator Simon Bako Lalong; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Idris Wase; former Governor Joshua Dariye; former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen; Managing Director of the North Central Development Commission, Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil; serving and former lawmakers; and hundreds of party members.
Moving the motion for the endorsement, former APC Deputy National Secretary, Barr. Festus Fuanter, said:
“I move the motion to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the sole candidate for the party in 2027.”
The motion, seconded by the state APC Woman Leader, Alice Dimlong, received overwhelming support from all stakeholders.
Fuanter further moved another motion rejecting any attempt to welcome Governor Mutfwang into the party, which was also unanimously adopted.
In his remarks, Senator Lalong commended the decision, noting that President Tinubu has demonstrated exemplary leadership and carried Plateau along since assuming office.
“The appointment of Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda as APC National Chairman is a great blessing to Plateau State,” he said. “It not only opens access to development but also signals that good things will continue to come to our people through the APC.”
Lalong added that all internal differences within the Plateau APC have been resolved, and that several members who previously left the party have now returned.
Speaking earlier, Prof. Yilwatda expressed appreciation for the endorsement of President Tinubu, describing it as well-deserved given his efforts to revive Nigeria’s economy and reposition the country for progress.
He also thanked party members for their condolences and support during his mother’s passing, noting that the APC on the Plateau is becoming stronger by the day with new members joining from various political backgrounds.
Former Deputy Speaker Idris Wase emphasized the need for unity and cautioned against divisive tendencies, while Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Daniel Naanlong Gapyil, described the meeting as a sign of renewed commitment and togetherness among party faithful.
Dame Pauline Tallen also lauded the growing unity within the party, saying the APC in Plateau is “waxing stronger and more determined to deliver good governance.”
In a letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of his Ampang West Ward, Dasjak Sunday Longyol, and dated December 29, 2025, the governor cited the need for an alternative political platform to better serve the state as the reason for quitting the party.
The letter, obtained by our correspondent in Jos, the state capital, on Thursday, expressed the governor’s gratitude to the party for providing him a platform to participate in the democratic process.
Mutfwang explained that his decision was guided by his commitment to purposeful leadership, clarity of direction, and service delivery.
The letter, which Mutfwang personally signed, read, “I write to formally notify you of my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party with immediate effect.
“I sincerely appreciate the PDP for providing me the political platform to participate in the democratic process.
“I appreciate the support of party leaders, members, and supporters at all levels during my time in the party, and I remain grateful for the trust reposed in me.
“Given the realities of the moment, and guided by my commitment to purposeful leadership, clarity of direction, and service delivery, I am compelled to seek an alternative political platform.
“Please accept the assurances of my highest regards.”
However, the letter did not disclose which party the governor had joined.
The governor’s resignation comes after months of speculation, with Mutfwang reportedly joining the All Progressives Congress.
The National Working Committee of the APC has welcomed him, with party officials pledging support for his new political journey.
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has formally bid farewell to 200 Plateau indigenes selected for state-sponsored scholarships to study at Sanskaram University, New Delhi, India, in critical fields including Medical Sciences, Engineering, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
The farewell ceremony, which took place at the National Youth Centre behind Shere Hills in Gwafan, Jos North Local Government Area, highlighted the state government’s sustained commitment to education and human capital development.
Addressing the scholarship beneficiaries, Governor Mutfwang described the programme as a rare privilege and a trust placed in them by the people of Plateau State. He urged the students to remain disciplined, focused, and committed to academic excellence, reminding them that they would serve as ambassadors of both Plateau State and Nigeria while studying abroad.
The governor further charged the students to uphold integrity, respect the laws and culture of their host country, and fully leverage the exposure and skills they would acquire, particularly in technology-driven disciplines vital to global advancement. He encouraged them to return home upon completion of their studies to contribute meaningfully to the development of Plateau State, assuring them of his administration’s continued support.
In a symbolic gesture, Governor Mutfwang presented the students with their international passports and flight tickets, confirming that all travel arrangements had been concluded and reaffirming the state government’s full backing for the initiative.
Earlier in her remarks, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr. (Mrs.) Kachollom Pyam Gang, described the scholarship programme as historic, noting that it was rare for a state government to sponsor as many as 200 students abroad at the same time. She commended Governor Mutfwang for his vision and sacrifice, stating that the initiative would leave a lasting imprint on Plateau State’s educational landscape.
Dr. Gang congratulated the beneficiaries on gaining admission into a reputable Indian university, attributing their selection to diligence, discipline, and academic excellence. She advised them to remain focused, obey the laws of their host country, and return home equipped with skills and knowledge that would drive sustainable development in the state.
Also speaking at the event, the Ujah of Anaguta, His Royal Majesty Johnson Jauro Magaji, lauded the governor for investing in the future of Plateau State, describing the scholarship scheme as unprecedented. He offered prayers for the students’ success and urged them to promote unity and represent the state with pride.
The Controller of the Plateau State Command of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs. Linda Fom, advised the students to strictly comply with immigration regulations, avoid drugs and other illegal activities, and use their study visas strictly for academic purposes. She reminded them to honour the sacrifices made by the state government and their parents by returning home safely after their studies.
Speaking on behalf of parents, Mrs. Fabong Hope Adanchin expressed gratitude to Governor Mutfwang for extending educational opportunities to children from diverse backgrounds, including orphans and the less privileged, and prayed for divine wisdom and guidance for the governor.
Some of the beneficiaries also expressed appreciation for the scholarship. Jelbak Plangnan Wilfred, who will study Radiography and Imaging Technology, described the opportunity as life-changing, while Chumle Nanshep James, a prospective Optometry student, said the scholarship had significantly eased the financial burden on his family.
In her closing remarks, the Acting Education Secretary, Mrs. Nankus A. Ngwalang, thanked Governor Mutfwang for the initiative and appreciated parents, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders for their support, while praying for the students’ success and safe return.
The event marked another milestone in Plateau State’s ongoing efforts to empower its youth through quality education and international exposure.