Vice President Kashim Shettima has said that the formal entry of Plateau State into the All Progressives Congress (APC) was an affirmation that the governing party was truly a national platform that open to all Nigerians committed to unity, peace and inclusive development.
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.
According to his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima while speaking on Tuesday during the grand reception of Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, and his supporters into the APC fold at the Jos Polo Field, noted that the political realignment was a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s shared destiny.
“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.
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 him (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,” VP Shettima said, adding 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.
Stating that Plateau’s presence in the APC demonstrated 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 extended 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,” the Vice President said.
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 Mutfwang, he described him as a unifying leader whose administration has begun to reposition Plateau State from conflict and stagnation towards peace and transformation.
The Vice President praised the governor’s policy initiatives, citing efforts to build peace across communities, deploy renewable energy to support primary healthcare centres, expand agricultural programmes for farmers, revitalise transport infrastructure and implement budgets focused on education, healthcare and youth empowerment.
Earlier, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, commended APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, for delivering Plateau State to the APC.
He applauded Mutfwang and assured him of victory in 2027, saying hus defection to the governing party was significant because it depicted completeness for APC in the North Central.
He added that that the President has been Christian-friendly and would continue to be a leader for all.
The Senate President prayed for repose of the souls of those who died as a result of past crisis in Plateau State, pledging that the National Assembly would appropriate funds for the return of displaced persons in the state and all parts of the country affected by insurgency.
Also Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, said it was a day of history for Plateau State.