Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, says the formal entry of Plateau State into the All Progressives Congress (APC) is an affirmation that the governing party is truly a national platform that is open to all Nigerians.
He says the party is committed to unity, peace and inclusive development.
The VP made the remark during the grand reception of Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, and his supporters into the APC fold at the Jos Polo Field.
The Vice President noted that the political realignment was a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s shared destiny.
He described the party as the destination of all citizens who believe in a united future, just as he maintained that the APC remains committed to national unity and inclusive governance.
“Plateau is a reminder that what powers us, what powers every nation, is unity, a unity rooted not in sameness but in shared purpose. It is on that basis that we gather here today,” he declared.
Historic Contributions
VP Shettima recalled Plateau’s historic contributions to Nigeria’s survival and cohesion, paying tribute to former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, and other military and diplomatic figures from the state who played defining roles in preserving national unity during difficult periods in the country’s history.
“In Gowon, Plateau gave Nigeria a leader whose strength lay in reconciliation, and whose legacy reminds us that nations survive not by conquest but by healing,” the Vice President said.
He further stated that the sacrifices of Plateau’s sons and daughters are written into the survival of the nation’s collective existence.
The Vice President conveyed assurances from President Bola Tinubu that Governor Mutfwang would enjoy full standing and recognition within the APC, describing good governance as an asset to any political movement committed to national progress.
Unity in Diversity
Stating that Plateau’s presence in the APC demonstrates the party’s readiness to accommodate diversity and build consensus across political, ethnic and religious divides, he stressed that the state’s contributions to national life extend beyond politics into commerce, scholarship, arts and peacebuilding.
“To have Plateau in the All Progressives Congress is to show the world that we are indeed prepared to be the party for all Nigerians,” he said.
VP Shettima also highlighted Plateau’s tradition of political leadership, referencing figures such as Solomon Lar and Fidelis Tapgun, whom he said helped redefine Nigeria’s political culture by promoting dialogue, inclusion and consensus-building.
Commending Governor Mutfwang, he described him as a unifying leader whose administration has begun to reposition Plateau State from conflict and stagnation towards peace and transformation.
Peace Building
The Vice President praised the governor’s policy initiatives, citing efforts to build peace across communities, deploy renewable energy to support primary healthcare centres.
He stated that the Governor has also expanded agricultural programmes for farmers, revitalise transport infrastructure and implement budgets focused on education, healthcare and youth empowerment.
Earlier, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, commended APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, for delivering Plateau State to the APC.
He applauded Governor Mutfwang and assured him of victory in 2027, saying his defection to the governing party is significant because it depicts completeness for APC in the North Central zone of the country.
He added that President Tinubu has been Christian-friendly and would continue to be a leader for all.
Condolences
The Senate President prayed for the repose of the souls of those who died as a result of past crisis in Plateau State, pledging that the National Assembly will appropriate funds for the return of displaced persons in the state and all parts of the country affected by crisis or insurgency.
Also, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, said it is a day of history for Plateau State, observing that the state is the last in the North Central zone to join the APC.
He said it signifies that the geopolitical zone was now completely APC, just as he passed a vote of confidence in the APC as the leading political party in Nigeria and the whole of Africa.
The Speaker, who commended the Governor for taking the right decision, urged him to embrace reconciliation and be a father to all as the leader of APC in the State.
The APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, said the Governor’s entry into the party was massive, disclosing that candidates of many other political parties in previous elections are now in the APC.
Noting that the people of Plateau State are poised to vote President Tinubu for a second term in 2027, he assured that both the President and Governor Mutfwang will win their elections overwhelmingly.
Justice and Unity
Professor Yilwatda said the APC will ensure that there is social justice and equity in the state, adding that peace will also be sustained by the coming together of many people; Muslims and Christians, to ensure there is sustainable peace across the state.
Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who spoke on behalf of APC Governors, described Governor Mutfwang as one of the best and brightest.
He said while the APC family is strong, bold, courageous and always giving hope to the people, the party is bringing renewed hope to the people of Plateau State, assuring that Plateau State will prosper the more under and APC administration.
In his goodwill message, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, said the APC was now complete in the North Central region of Nigeria with the coming of Governor Mutfwang to the APC, assuring that the region will massively support President Tinubu in 2027.
Speaking about his decision to join the APC, Governor Mutfwang said Plateau State chose to embark on a journey that will reposition the state to give full support to President Tinubu for his re-election in 2027.
The Governor said the President has passion and commitment to rejigging Nigeria and boosting the progress and unity of the nation.
He therefore, urged all Nigerians to join hands with the President in his quest to steady the nation.
He paid special respect to Vice President Shettima for playing a major role in his decision to defect to the APC, saying the VP gave him the push that encouraged him to join the party.
Chairman of the APC in Plateau State, Rufus Bature, appreciated Governor Mutfwang for accepting the APC by joining the party.
He said the APC will do everything to ensure his government works.