Vice President Kashim Shettima has formally welcomed Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, into the All Progressives Congress (APC) at a grand reception held at the Jos Polo Field yesterday.
The event attracted top political leaders from across the country and marked a significant moment in the political landscape of Plateau State.
Speaking at the occasion, Vice President Shettima described Governor Mutfwang's decision to join the APC as a strong demonstration of unity, progress and collaboration, noting that it would further position Plateau State for accelerated development through a stronger connection with the federal government.
He commended the former Governor of Plateau State and Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District Simon Lalong, for his exceptional leadership of the APC in the state.
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He noted that Lalong nurtured the party with purpose and dedication, making the APC not only acceptable in Plateau State but also a destination for politicians from other parties.
Shettima applauded Lalong's humility, wisdom and political maturity, particularly his decision to hand over the leadership of the party in Plateau State to Governor Mutfwang in line with the provisions of the APC Constitution.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also welcomed Mutfwang to the APC, expressing optimism that the development would usher in peace, progress and the defeat of poverty in Plateau State.
Akpabio equally paid glowing tribute to Lalong, describing his leadership as instrumental in giving the APC a firm footing in the state, while also acknowledging his capacity and competence at the Senate.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, described Governor Mutfwang's movement to the APC as a welcome development and urged party members to work together in unity and resist divisive tendencies.
APC national chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, said he was fulfilled to formally receive Governor Mutfwang, his former opponent in the 2023 governorship election, into the ruling party.
He expressed confidence that the renewed passion and unity among old and new members would translate into rapid development for Plateau State and massive electoral support for President Tinubu in 2027.
Chairman of the APC Governors' Forum and Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, said Mutfwang will add value to the forum of APC governors, the party and the people of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
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In his remarks after receiving the APC flag, Governor Caleb Mutfwang expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Shettima, Lalong and other party stakeholders for accepting him and his supporters into the APC.
Mutfwang said his decision to join the APC was to add value and work collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure the success of the party and the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
He also paid glowing tribute to Lalong for his purposeful leadership of the party in Plateau State and for relinquishing the position of party leader without rancour, describing the gesture as a clear demonstration of courage, wisdom and humility.
