From Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The All Progressives Congress in Plateau State has returned Hon. Rufus Bature as its chairman for another four-year term through a consensus arrangement at the party’s state congress.
The congress, held on Tuesday at Landfield, Little Rayfield, Jos South Local Government Area, was attended by party leaders, delegates and stakeholders, who described the exercise as peaceful and historic.
Although the event was scheduled to commence at 10am, proceedings did not begin until about 4pm as delegates waited for the screening process to be concluded.
Members of the National Assembly, Speaker and members of the Plateau State House of Assembly, the 17 local government chairmen, local government party chairmen and accredited delegates were present. Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission also observed the exercise alongside the party’s legal team.
Chairman of the APC State Congress Committee, Hon. Oscar Yelwa, described the congress as a defining moment for the party in the state.
“This congress marks a new chapter for our great party in Plateau State. It is an opportunity to strengthen our unity and reposition the APC for future victories,” he said.
Yelwa commended members for embracing consensus, noting that the process was aimed at ushering in a new executive to pilot the affairs of the party.
The list of newly elected State Executive Committee members was announced by the committee secretary, Barrister Fidelis Wehe, after which the officials took their oath of office. Bature subsequently emerged as state chairman.
In his acceptance speech, Bature pledged to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Failure is not an option. We will work tirelessly to ensure that APC remains the dominant political force in Plateau State,” he declared.
He thanked delegates and party leaders for the confidence reposed in him, describing his emergence as a huge responsibility.
Bature highlighted what he termed significant milestones achieved by the party in the state, including producing three senators, eight members of the House of Representatives, 22 members of the State House of Assembly, 17 local government chairmen and 325 councillors.
“This will not be business as usual. We will monitor governance, ensure accountability and expand the reach of the party under the motto, ‘APC everywhere you go,’” he said.
He aligned the state chapter with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and appreciated the support of the national leadership.
In his remarks, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, urged party members to remain united.
“We are one big family. Whatever concerns we have, we will resolve them as a family. We must not allow issues to divide us,” the governor said.
He charged members to intensify grassroots mobilisation, urging each registered member to recruit at least 10 new members within a month.
“To win general elections, we must go beyond party membership. Take the message of the party to every ward and community,” he added.
Also speaking, the Senator representing Plateau South, Simon Bako Lalong, congratulated Bature and other members of the executive.
“The unity and maturity displayed by stakeholders is a positive signal for the growth and stability of our party in Plateau State,” Lalong said.
He urged the new leadership to work inclusively and focus on consolidating the gains of the party while preparing for future political engagements.
The congress ended peacefully, with party leaders expressing optimism that the APC in Plateau State would emerge stronger and more cohesive ahead of 2027.
