The Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, on Wednesday jointly flagged off the party’s electronic membership registration and revalidation exercise in Dengi, Kanam Local Government Area, and Langtang, Langtang North Local Government Area of the state.
The historic event drew a massive turnout of party faithful, supporters, and well-wishers, who accorded both leaders a rousing welcome, a development many described as signalling a new dawn in Plateau State’s political landscape.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Dengi, Prof. Yilwatda said the nationwide e-registration and revalidation exercise was designed to deepen inclusiveness, cohesion, and internal democracy within the APC.
He assured party members of a level playing field to pursue their political aspirations, stressing the party’s commitment to fairness and transparency.
The APC National Chairman commended the people of Plateau State for their continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the President had taken bold steps to stabilize Nigeria’s economy and reposition the country for sustainable growth.
“There are clear signs that the sacrifices Nigerians are making today will yield better days ahead,” he said.
Prof. Yilwatda also formally welcomed Governor Mutfwang into the APC, describing their coming together as a deliberate decision taken in the overall interest of peace, unity, and the transformation of Plateau State.
He clarified that their rivalry during the 2023 elections was purely political and never personal, adding that the state stood to benefit immensely from their renewed partnership.
“We were never enemies; we only had political differences.
“Today marks the beginning of a new political consensus anchored on development and inclusion,” he stated.
He further noted that political alignment with the federal centre would enhance Plateau State’s bargaining power and access to development opportunities.
According to him, “When the Governor and the National Chairman walk together, Plateau will attract more projects, more opportunities and a fairer share of national resources,” expressing confidence that the state would strongly support President Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 general elections.
In his remarks, Governor Mutfwang said his decision to work with Prof. Yilwatda was informed by the best interest of Plateau State, urging supporters across political divides to embrace peace, unity and collective progress.
He acknowledged President Tinubu’s commitment to national development and assured citizens that collaboration would guarantee prosperity for the state.
The Governor disclosed that his administration had put measures in place to support farmers with critical inputs to recover losses from the previous farming season.
He also assured the people of Kanam of massive infrastructural development, including schools, primary healthcare facilities and empowerment initiatives aimed at promoting economic self-reliance.
Governor Mutfwang urged citizens to shun drug abuse, embrace peaceful coexistence and channel their energies towards productive ventures that would foster community development.
He attributed the improved security situation in the state to cooperation, shared leadership and institutional trust.
“We are taking our destiny into our own hands and moving together as one people. This digital registration exercise will translate our unity into measurable political strength,” he said.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, the Governor stressed that a credible and robust membership base would position Plateau as a key player in national politics.
He called on traditional rulers, community leaders and stakeholders to mobilise citizens at the grassroots to participate actively in the e-registration exercise.
Earlier, both leaders paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Kanam, His Royal Highness, Muhammadu Muazu Muhammadu II, seeking the support of the traditional institution in mobilizing citizens for the registration exercise and overall development of the state.
Several party leaders and stakeholders pledged their support for the exercise, including the APC Chairman in Plateau State, Hon. Rufus Bature; Member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ephraim Usman; Chairman of Kanam Local Government Area, Hon. Salihu Ayuba Musa; and Alhaji Sale Kanam, among others.
At the flag-off ceremony in Langtang North Local Government Area, Prof. Yilwatda reiterated that although he and Governor Mutfwang once contested against each other, they were now united in purpose.
“Today, no supporter of Governor Mutfwang will fight me, and none of my supporters will fight Governor Mutfwang. We are all APC.
“We are building a new Plateau and a new Nigeria based on unity and prosperity,” he said, urging citizens to participate actively in the registration exercise.
Governor Mutfwang, on his part, encouraged residents to obtain their National Identification Number (NIN) and Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to enable full participation in the registration and electoral processes.
“We have started a journey of unity with my brother, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, a journey of raising hands together to take Plateau State to greater heights,” he said, paying tribute to past leaders including Gen. J.D. Gomwalk, Chief Solomon Lar and Sen. Jonah David Jang for laying a solid foundation for the state.
Dignitaries at the Langtang North event included the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Daniel Naalong; Secretary to the State Government, Arc. Samuel Nanchang Jatau; Member representing Langtang North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Vincent Bulus; Chairman of Langtang North LGA, Hon. Pilfa Tyem; and Commissioner for Works, Hon. Joshua Laven Ubandoma, among others.
The events also featured the symbolic presentation of APC membership registration slips to new and existing members in Kanam and Langtang North and South Local Government Areas.
The Governor and the APC National Chairman later paid a royal visit to the Acting Ponzhi Tarok, Mr. Nimnan Langyi, at his palace in Langtang, as a mark of respect to the traditional institution, while soliciting the support of the traditional council in mobilising citizens for the ongoing exercise.
