As supporters pledge to support President Tinubu , Gov Mutfwang , Phramicist John Chun , Kim Bot Jerry ,others
Report by Golok Nanmwa
In a significant boost to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State, more than 2,000 members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party have defected to the ruling party in a colourful ceremony held at Government Secondary School (GSS) Bakin Kogi, Foron, in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The event, which took place in Kapwis Federal Ward, Foron District, drew large crowds of party faithfuls, supporters, and community leaders, turning the venue into a scene of jubilation with songs, cheers, and enthusiastic celebrations.
Leading the high-profile defections was Hon. Pharm. John Chun, Director of the Plateau State Liaison Office in Abuja, alongside other prominent figures such as Hon. Pharm. Kim Jerry Bot, Director-General of the Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency; Hon. Markus Yakubu Gyang, Leader of the Barkin Ladi Legislative Arm and Councillor representing Kapwis Ward; Hon. Absolom, Councillor for Kapwen/Ket Ward; Rt. Hon. Nash Adamu (Natty), former Leader of the Barkin Ladi Legislative Arm; and Hon. Simon Dep and Hon. Shut Samuel, Special Advisers to the Executive Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government Council.
The group also included several other state and local government appointees, former councillors, and numerous grassroots members.
Welcoming the new members on behalf of the APC were key stakeholders, including Rt. Hon. Isa Chungwom Song, former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and ex-Member representing Barkin Ladi–Riyom Federal Constituency; Hon. Gyang Dung Musa, former Commissioner for Science and Technology; Hon. Zainab Ishaku, former Education Secretary of Barkin Ladi Local Education Authority; Mr. Ezekiel Gwom, Kapwis Federal Ward APC Chairman; and other party leaders.
In his address, the Ward Chairman extended a warm welcome to the defectors, assuring them of equal opportunities within the party and urging unity to fortify the APC’s structures at ward, local government, state, and national levels.
Rt. Hon. Isa Chungwom Song and other speakers described the mass defection as a timely and strategic move in the best interest of Plateau State, emphasising the need for sustained harmony to enhance federal presence and drive development projects in the region.
Speaking on behalf of the new members, Hon. Pharm. John Chun expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic reception and explained that the decision aligned with Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s recent shift to the APC was motivated by the broader interest of Plateau State, particularly its alignment with the federal government at the centre.
He highlighted potential dividends from the move, including the Vice President’s recent pronouncement on the proposed dualisation of the Akwanga–Jos Road, and optimism surrounding the Korot–Bakin Kogi–Gindiri Road following inspections by the Commissioner for Works.
Hon. Pharm. Kim Jerry Bot reaffirmed commitments to unity and development, while Hon. Markus Yakubu Gyang and Hon. Absolom pledged to contribute meaningfully to the party and advance grassroots initiatives.
The ceremony reached its peak with the symbolic presentation of APC membership cards and brooms to the new members, who collectively pledged allegiance to the party and chanted its slogans amid widespread celebrations.
This defection in Kapwis Ward comes amid a wave of political realignments in Plateau State following Governor Mutfwang’s defection from the PDP to the APC late last year, a move seen as strengthening the ruling party’s foothold in the North-Central region ahead of future elections.
