From Tongnaan Bawa, Jos
Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, on Wednesday jointly flagged off the APC electronic membership registration and revalidation exercise in Plateau State, pledging a harmonious working relationship for the peace, unity and development of the state.
The exercise was launched in Dengi, Kanam Local Government Area, and later in Langtang, Langtang North Local Government Area, attracting a massive turnout of party members, supporters and residents, in what many described as a new chapter in Plateau State’s political history.
Speaking at the flag-off in Dengi, Prof. Yilwatda said the nationwide e-registration and revalidation exercise was designed to deepen inclusiveness, strengthen internal democracy and promote cohesion within the APC. He assured party members of fairness, transparency and equal opportunities to pursue their political ambitions.
The APC National Chairman commended the people of Plateau State for their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the President has taken bold steps to stabilise the economy and reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth.
“There are clear signs that the sacrifices Nigerians are making today will yield better days ahead,” he said.
Prof. Yilwatda also formally welcomed Governor Mutfwang into the APC, describing their collaboration as a deliberate and patriotic decision taken in the overall interest of peace, unity and the transformation of Plateau State. He clarified that their political contest in 2023 was never personal but based on differing political platforms.
“We were never enemies; we only had political differences. Today marks the beginning of a new political consensus anchored on development and inclusion,” he stated.
According to him, political alignment between the state and the federal government would enhance Plateau’s access to national resources and development opportunities, expressing confidence that the state would strongly support President Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 general elections.
In his remarks, Governor Mutfwang said his decision to work with Prof. Yilwatda was driven by the best interests of Plateau State. He called on supporters across political divides to embrace peace, unity and collective progress.
The Governor acknowledged President Tinubu’s commitment to national development, assuring Plateau citizens that cooperation and shared leadership would translate into prosperity for the state. He revealed that his administration is supporting farmers with critical inputs to recover losses from the previous farming season and promised major infrastructural projects in Kanam, including schools, primary healthcare facilities and empowerment programmes.
Governor Mutfwang urged residents to shun drug abuse, promote peaceful coexistence and channel their energies into productive ventures. He linked the improved security situation in the state to cooperation, trust and shared responsibility among leaders and citizens.
“We are taking our destiny into our own hands and moving together as one people. This digital registration exercise will translate our unity into measurable political strength,” the Governor said.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Governor Mutfwang stressed that a strong and credible APC membership base would position Plateau as a key player in national politics. He called on traditional rulers, community leaders and stakeholders to mobilise grassroots participation in the e-registration exercise.
Earlier, the Governor and the APC National Chairman paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Kanam, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Muhammadu Muazu Muhammadu II, seeking the support of the traditional institution for the registration exercise and overall development of the state.
Several party leaders and stakeholders, including the Plateau APC Chairman, Hon. Rufus Bature; Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi; Hon. Ephraim Usman; Hon. Salihu Ayuba Musa; and Alhaji Sale Kanam, pledged their full support for the exercise.
At the Langtang North flag-off, Prof. Yilwatda reiterated that although he and Governor Mutfwang once contested against each other, they are now united in purpose.
“Today, no supporter of Governor Mutfwang will fight me, and none of my supporters will fight Governor Mutfwang. We are all APC. We are building a new Plateau and a new Nigeria based on unity and prosperity,” he said.
Governor Mutfwang encouraged residents to obtain their National Identification Number (NIN) and Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to participate fully in the registration and electoral processes. He also paid tribute to past Plateau leaders for laying the foundation of the state.
The event featured the symbolic presentation of APC membership registration slips to new and existing members, as well as royal visits to traditional rulers in Kanam and Langtang to solicit grassroots support for the ongoing exercise.