Jos, Plateau State — Vice President Kashim Shettima has formally welcomed Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, into the All Progressives Congress (APC), praising his leadership style and commitment to peace, development, and the welfare of the people.
Speaking at the official reception ceremony in Jos, Shettima described Mutfwang as a proactive leader dedicated to finding lasting solutions to Plateau State’s challenges.
“I know His Excellency Caleb Mutfwang well enough to say how restless he has been in seeking enduring solutions to the problems on the Plateau,” the Vice President said.
Mutfwang’s defection comes weeks after he exited the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing prolonged leadership crises at the national level of the party.
Shettima highlighted key achievements of the Plateau governor, including peace-building efforts across communities, renewable energy initiatives, agricultural reforms, and the revitalisation of transport infrastructure.
“We have seen him focus on budgets that deepen peace, strengthen education, expand healthcare services and empower the youth. His leadership is clearly anchored on genuine service to the people,” Shettima stated.
The Vice President assured Mutfwang of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s backing, noting that the APC leadership recognises the transformation witnessed in Plateau State under his administration.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured you that your place in this party is second to none,” Shettima added, describing the APC as an inclusive platform for leaders committed to national unity.
He also called on Plateau residents to embrace unity, stressing that shared values outweigh divisive tendencies.
In a major announcement, Shettima revealed that construction of the long-awaited Akwanga–Jos Road would commence soon. “Within the next three weeks, the contractor will mobilise to site,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed Governor Mutfwang to the ruling party, expressing optimism that his defection would accelerate peace, development and poverty reduction in Plateau State.
In his remarks after receiving the APC flag, Governor Mutfwang thanked President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, and other party leaders for accepting him and his supporters.
He clarified that his move to the APC was not aimed at taking over the party’s structure but at contributing meaningfully to its growth and ensuring President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
Mutfwang also paid tribute to former Plateau governor and APC leader, Senator Simon Lalong, commending him for his statesmanship and peaceful leadership transition within the party.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, described Mutfwang’s defection as a positive development and urged party members to work together in unity.
APC National Chairman, Prof. Goshwe, expressed satisfaction in receiving Mutfwang—his former rival in the 2023 governorship election—into the party, noting that renewed unity would translate into rapid development and electoral success.
Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, said the Forum was pleased to welcome Mutfwang, adding that his experience and leadership would strengthen the party and benefit Plateau State and the nation at large.
Comments