Plateau State witnessed a major political shift yesterday as thousands of decampees were officially received into the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a high-profile ceremony attended by top party leaders.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshewe, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Governors of Nasarawa and Benue were among the dignitaries at the event.
Senator Akpabio, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, described the influx of new members as a clear sign of APC’s wide acceptance and a vindication of the Renewed Hope Administration’s performance.
“The President welcomes the new members from various parties who will be treated fairly and given an opportunity to contribute to the growth of the APC by delivering the President, and electing Governor as well as State and National Assembly members,” Akpabio stated.
Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe emphasized that the party is more united than ever and has the capacity to win Plateau’s governorship, as well as National and State Assembly elections. He praised the decampees, including former opponents of the APC, for choosing to join the ruling party.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu also expressed optimism, noting that APC’s ability to attract people of substance from other parties shows its growing strength in Plateau and across Nigeria.
Senator Simon Lalong, APC leader in Plateau State, described the event as a moment of vindication, highlighting the party’s resilience despite efforts to undermine it, including actions by the PDP-led government aimed at erasing APC legacies.
Hon. Rufus Bature, APC Plateau State Chairman, welcomed the decampees, promising a level playing field, while the former PDP officials who joined APC cited deceit, oppression, and poor governance as reasons for their political switch, expressing confidence in President Tinubu and Senator Lalong’s leadership.
