Plateau Political Shift: Akpabio Welcomes Wave of Defectors into APC

A significant political realignment took place in Plateau State on Saturday as Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio and APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda formally received a large group of defectors from multiple political parties into the All Progressives Congress (APC). The event, held at Jos Polo Field, attracted a massive turnout of supporters, signaling a new chapter in the state’s political landscape.

The defectors, hailing from five parties, PDP, Labour Party, PRP, ADC, and NNPP, included high-profile figures such as Senator Istifanus Gyang (former Plateau North senator), Latep Dabang (former PDP campaign DG), Dr. Patrick Dakum (Labour Party 2023 governorship candidate), and Alfred Dabwam (NNPP former governorship candidate). Several members of the House of Representatives, including Hon. Fom Dalyop, Hon. Ajang Alfred Ilya, and Hon. Daniel Asama Ago, also joined the party.

Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Akpabio described the new members as “political caterpillars,” emphasizing that their experience would strengthen the APC ahead of the 2027 elections. He also highlighted the federal government’s commitment to peace and security in Plateau, saying, “Too many lives have been lost. Too many homes destroyed. Plateau deserves peace, and anyone who wants to govern this state must be committed to peace.”

Prof. Yilwatda echoed the sentiment, declaring the day as a milestone in consolidating APC dominance in Plateau. “Today, on the Plateau, there is only one political party. If you are not in APC, you are not in politics. With this structure, Plateau will deliver President Tinubu in 2027. All three Senate seats, all federal and state positions will be APC,” he said.

The ceremony included a formal reception with party flags and symbols of the broom, assuring the defectors equal rights and privileges within the APC. Notable attendees included Deputy Speaker of the House Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the governors of Nasarawa and Benue States, Abdullahi Sule and Hyacinth Alia, and Kogi State Deputy Governor Salifu Joel.

The reception underscores APC’s growing influence in Plateau State and signals its intent to consolidate power ahead of the 2027 elections.

Tags: APC, Godswill Akpabio, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda