Shettima to Mutfwang: Tinubu Has Assured You a Prime Place in APC

By Solomon Ekpo, Plateau 

Vice President Kashim Shettima has told Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang that President Bola Tinubu has assured him of a “place second to none” in the All Progressives Congress (APC) following his formal decision to join the ruling party.

Shettima spoke on Tuesday in Jos while leading a high-level APC delegation to Mutfwang’s official declaration from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, describing the governor’s move as a major boost to party unity and national stability.

According to the Vice President, the ruling party is not facing internal crisis but is built on cohesion, inclusiveness and leadership that prioritises the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians.

“We are not a party in crisis. We believe in team-building, unity and leadership that uplifts the vulnerable,” Shettima said.

He described Mutfwang’s entry into the APC as a turning point for Plateau State and the North-Central region, adding that it reflected a broader national drive toward political cohesion.

Mutfwang: Defection Is Strategic Realignment

In his remarks, Governor Mutfwang said his decision followed months of consultations with President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima and other senior national leaders, stressing that the move was a strategic realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“This is not defection; it is realignment. We are re-engineering Plateau to fully enjoy the dividends of democracy,” the governor stated.

Mutfwang pledged full support for President Tinubu’s re-election, citing the administration’s efforts at economic stabilisation and improved security.

“It is better to follow the man who knows the road,” he said, assuring that Plateau would deliver overwhelming support for the APC in 2027.

Federal Projects, Security Boost for Plateau

Shettima announced key federal interventions for Plateau State, including the mobilisation of contractors for the Akwanga–Jos highway, Plateau’s selection as the pilot state for the national livestock development programme, and approval for the recruitment of 1,000 youths as forest guards.

He also praised Plateau’s historic contributions to Nigeria’s unity, recalling the leadership of former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, and the sacrifices of military officers from the state.

Akpabio Hails Tinubu’s Inclusiveness

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, described the Tinubu administration as Nigeria’s most inclusive and religiously tolerant government, noting that the president has consistently demonstrated fairness across religious and ethnic lines.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, Akpabio said Tinubu’s leadership style had strengthened unity, equity and national cohesion.

“President Tinubu treats Christians and Muslims equally. His government reflects fairness, justice and inclusion,” Akpabio said.

He congratulated Mutfwang, noting that the governor’s decision had repositioned Plateau at the centre of national politics and strengthened the APC’s dominance in the North-Central zone.

APC Leadership Welcomes Mutfwang

APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe, described Mutfwang’s entry as a “homecoming,” saying it marked the unification of Plateau’s political blocs under one platform.

He noted that the APC now hosts structures from the PDP, Labour Party, PRP and NNPP, making it the dominant political force in the state.

“With this realignment, APC is now the majority party across all wards and local governments in Plateau,” he said.

Goshwe assured the governor of the party’s full support ahead of the 2027 elections, predicting a strong showing for President Tinubu in the state.

North-Central Now Fully APC

Akpabio further stated that Plateau’s entry into the APC meant all states in the North-Central geopolitical zone were now aligned with the ruling party, describing the development as politically significant.

He assured Plateau residents of federal support in tackling insecurity and improving livelihoods, adding that the National Assembly would back funding initiatives aimed at closing internally displaced persons (IDP) camps nationwide.

“We will not leave you alone. Plateau will receive full federal support to improve security and the well-being of its people,” Akpabio said.