Jos – Ahead of 2027 general elections, leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, on Saturday gathered in Jos, Plateau State to formally receive new members who decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Labour Party, LP, PRP and ADC in the State, into the APC.
The APC described the move as a step toward strengthening its political structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, commended the turnout, noted that Plateau State has continued to play an important role in national politics and expressed optimism that recent developments would contribute to greater political stability in the State.
Akpabio described the entry of former and serving lawmakers, a governorship candidate, and Party leaders from other political Parties into the APC as a welcome development that would broaden the Party’s base.
He acknowledged the leadership role of the National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, stating that the Party was encouraged by the cohesion displayed among local stakeholders.
He also emphasised the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting peace-building efforts in communities affected by violence, stressing that Plateau deserves lasting stability and development.
Plateau is looking for peace,” he said. “Children have been murdered, families displaced, and many are living as IDPs in their own State. Nigeria is crying. The President is not happy with these killings, and we at the centre are committed to bringing peace to Plateau.”
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who represented the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas said the National Assembly recognised the decision taken by political stakeholders in the State.
He assured residents that the legislature would continue to collaborate with Plateau’s representatives to ensure that the interests of the State are protected at the national level.
Kalu added that the APC’s National Chairman, who hails from Plateau, had demonstrated effective leadership within a short period, which, according to him, helped inspire confidence among Party members.
The APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, reiterated that the Party’s focus was on building a united front capable of winning future elections.
He explained that the defection of members from the Labour Party, PDP, PRP and ADC was voluntary and reflected a desire for stronger political alignment.
He noted that the Party now had wider representation across the three senatorial zones and expressed confidence in its readiness for future political contests.
Former Governor, Simon Lalong, also addressed the gathering, recalling the challenges faced by APC supporters in recent years.
He thanked President Tinubu, Akpabio and other leaders for standing by the Party and expressed satisfaction that many former political actors had chosen to return to the APC.
Lalong maintained that the Party remained a significant political force in Plateau State and encouraged members to work together to strengthen internal unity.
Party officials described the day’s activities as a step toward repositioning the APC as a competitive and broad-based platform in Plateau State.
Some of the decampees are, former Senator for Plateau North, Istifanis Gyang, former Labour Party Governorship Candidate, Patrick Dakum, former Aide to Government Caleb Mutfwang, Chief Latep Dabang, serving House of Representatives Member for Bassa/Jos North, Daniel Asama, that of Jos East/Jos South, Ajang Iliya, that of Barkin Ladi/Riyom, Dalyop Fom, among others.