THE official reception of Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Party (APC) on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, was billed to start at 10.00a.m. Although politicians are known for not keeping to time, the event took a different dimension altogether.
Many curious residents of the state could not wait till 10.00a.m., as they trooped to the venue–Polo Field–in Jos North Local Council of the state as early as 6.00a.m. to catch a glimpse of the important personalities expected at the ceremony.
The roads leading to the venue were blocked by human traffic. In fact, there was no vehicular movement. Security presence was highly visible, and they performed their duties with precision and professionalism.

Amid the push and shove, even journalists, who were well aware that the event would not kick-off at 10.00a.m., given their experience with politicians, had to go to the venue and wait.
At some point, the power-generating set at the venue failed, and power was restored after about 30 minutes.
At 3.00p.m., it was obvious that all the entertainment groups had exhausted their art. They had nothing to display to the audience again. The audience too had grown weary. Yet, the visitors were nowhere to be found.

This was when some rhetorical questions like, “don’t these big people know that the people waiting are also human beings” began to arise. Hungry and thirsty, some people in the crowd openly voiced their frustration, saying the leaders only do what satisfies them without caring a hoot how the common people feel.
Two people in the crowd actually slumped but were revived and helped to their houses.
However, relief came around 3.25p.m. This was when the guests, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, arrived at the venue. But it took some time before the event started around 4.00pm.

Addressing the crowd, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Shettima, described Plateau State as “a miniature Nigeria whose rich diversity, if properly harnessed, can significantly drive national growth and development.”
President Tinubu noted that the heterogeneous nature of Plateau State calls for purposeful, inclusive, and unifying leadership, stressing that “a richly diverse state requires a focused and dedicated leader who can convert diversity into strength.”
He further described Plateau as “an asset of immense political and economic value to the nation” and urged Governor Mutfwang to continue providing “a level playing field where every citizen can thrive and contribute meaningfully, irrespective of political affiliation, ethnicity, or religion.”

In his response, Mutfwang expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu, the leadership of the APC and the people of Plateau State for the warm reception, assuring that he remains committed to “teamwork, loyalty, and people-centred governance within this new political family.”
The governor reaffirmed his steadfast commitment to peace, unity, and sustainable development of the state, while also pledging total support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, “this decision is guided solely by the collective interest of Plateau State and the urgent need to fast-track development through stronger collaboration with the Federal Government.”

Mutfwang disclosed that his decision to join the APC followed “wide consultations, fervent prayers, and careful reflection,” adding that the state is poised to occupy a strategic position in national political decision-making as the country moves towards 2027 elections.
National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, described the realignment as “a courageous and unifying step that will reposition Plateau State on the path of accelerated growth and development.”
He noted that with Plateau State becoming the 26th APC-controlled state, the Renewed Hope Agenda would continue to gain momentum nationwide.

Yilwatda stated that Plateau stands to benefit immensely from the new political alignment, emphasising purposeful leadership, effective service delivery, and the strengthening of peace and unity among political stakeholders. He pledged to personally support the governor ahead of the 2027 elections, assuring that the state would move forward in unity and common purpose.
“Today, I proudly welcome you into the APC, a party that stands for peace, justice, and unity. You are now part of our family. For someone who once contested against you, I consider it both an honour and a responsibility to welcome you. Your entry strengthens our party. The coming together of ‘Generation Next’ and ‘Time Is Now’ reflects a united Plateau. My joy truly knows no bounds.

“Today, Plateau is united, not only in football, but in politics and in our shared aspirations as a people,” Yilwatda said.
Other dignitaries who spoke at the event, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma; Chairman of the Reception Committee, Idris Wase and State Chairman of the APC, Rufus Bature, congratulated the governor and pledged the party’s full support for the success of his administration.
They also emphasised that the political realignment ahead of the 2027 general election signals renewed cooperation, strengthened democratic governance, and expanded prospects for socio-economic development in Plateau State and Nigeria at large.