Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, on Saturday received prominent defectors from five opposition parties into the ruling APC in Plateau State.
The event, held at the Jos Polo Field, drew a massive crowd of party loyalists and leaders from across the state.
A statement issued on Sunday by Akpabio’s Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong, confirmed that major political figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), People’s Redemption Party (PRP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) formally joined the APC at the rally.
Among the high-profile defectors were former Plateau North Senator Istifanus Gyang; former PDP campaign DG during the 2023 elections, Latep Dabang; Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate, Dr. Patrick Dakum; and ex-NNPP governorship candidate, Alfred Dabwam.
Also received into the APC were three serving members of the House of Representatives—Hon. Fom Dalyop (Riyom/Barkin Ladi), Hon. Ajang Alfred Ilya (Jos South/Jos East), and Hon. Daniel Asama Ago (Bassa/Jos North).
Representing President Bola Tinubu at the rally, Akpabio said Yilwatda’s emergence as APC National Chairman had transformed the party’s political fortunes in Plateau State.
“My ears have heard and my eyes have seen that from today, the entire Plateau is APC. Come 2027, Plateau shall deliver the APC,” he declared.
Akpabio praised Tinubu for appointing Yilwatda as chairman, saying the new leadership has strengthened the party and attracted notable figures into its fold.
He also assured Plateau residents of improved security under the Tinubu administration, stressing that peace must return to communities long affected by violence.
“Too many lives have been lost. Too many homes destroyed. Plateau deserves peace, and anyone who wants to govern this state must be committed to peace,” Akpabio added.
In his address, APC Chairman Yilwatda said the day marked a turning point for the party’s dominance in Plateau.
“Today on the Plateau, there is only one political party. If you are not in APC, you are not in politics,” he said.
He predicted a clean sweep for the APC in the 2027 elections, including all Senate seats as well as state and federal positions.
Yilwatda also presented the new members with APC flags and the party’s broom symbol, assuring them of equal rights within the party.
Dignitaries at the rally included Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu; Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule; Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia; and Kogi State Deputy Governor Salifu Joel.
This wave of defections follows earlier reports that over 300 PDP chieftains had left the party between February 2024 and February 2025, citing deepening internal crises.
The PDP’s troubles intensified further on Saturday after the expulsion of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and 10 other top leaders over alleged anti-party activities during the party’s 20th National Convention in Ibadan.
