The All Progressives Congress (APC) recorded a major political milestone in Plateau State as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the party’s National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, formally welcomed thousands of defectors from multiple political parties into the APC.
The event, held at the Jos Polo Field, drew an unprecedented crowd of supporters and party leaders, signaling renewed momentum for the ruling party in the North-Central region.
Defectors came from five major opposition parties – the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Among the defectors were notable figures including Senator Istifanus Gyang, former PDP governorship candidate General John Sura (rtd.), and other influential political leaders. Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Akpabio described the influx of defectors as proof of the wide acceptance of the APC and a vindication of the Renewed Hope Administration’s performance.
The APC National Chairman emphasized that the party is now more united than ever and has the “firepower to win emphatically” in Plateau’s upcoming elections. Both leaders assured defectors of fair treatment and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the APC at state and national levels.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio remarked: “The massive influx of decampees into the APC shows the wide acceptance of our party among Nigerians. President Tinubu welcomes all new members and assures them of equal opportunities to contribute to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda added: “APC has united more than ever before. With the strength of our new members, we will win Plateau governorship and legislative elections emphatically.”
The ceremony not only consolidated APC’s political base in Plateau but also demonstrated the party’s growing influence across Nigeria. The presence of top APC leaders, including governors from Nasarawa and Benue, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, and former Plateau Governor Simon Lalong, underscored the strategic importance of Plateau in the party’s national outlook.