A socio-political group, the Plateau Vanguard for Democracy (PVD) has lauded Sen. Simon Lalong for ceding the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau to Gov. Caleb Mutfwang.
The Chairman of the group, Mr Christopher Ishaku made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
He described the decision of Sen. Lalong (APC-Plateau South) following the governor’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as “altruistic and statesmanlike.”
Ishaku said Lalong’s move was a turning point in Plateau politics, considering the prolonged political tension that ensued between both men after the 2023 governorship election.
He said that Lalong, Mutfwang’s predecessor, had backed APC’s Prof Nentawe Yilwatda to succeed him, but Mutfwang of the PDP emerged victorious.
The chairman of the group said the rivalry that trailed the election had defined the internal dynamics of opposition politics in the state.
According to him, Lalong’s decision to yield the party leadership to Mutfwang, in spite of their past differences, reflected political maturity.
He further said it was also a reflection of the former governor’s willingness to place the collective interest of Plateau above personal or factional considerations.
Ishaku said the new political alignment was a unique opportunity for Plateau.
“With Yilwatda serving as the National Chairman of the APC, and Mutfwang as governor on the same platform, major political stakeholders are now “in the same ship.”
“This convergence offers Plateau an uncommon chance to consolidate influence at both state and national levels,” he said.
He called on supporters of both Mutfwang and Lalong to close ranks and work together to protect the political and developmental interests of Plateau.
According to him, beyond politics, unity had become an urgent necessity in the face of worsening insecurity in parts of the state.
He urged political leaders and citizens to coalesce in confronting criminal infiltrators and bandits who have continued to attack communities, kill residents, and destabilise livelihoods.
Ishaku said that sustained political stability would make it easier for the state to mobilise resources, coordinate security responses, and project Plateau’s concerns more effectively within the national space.
The group leader therefore, cautioned against actions that could reignite political divisions.
He added that internal fractures would only weaken Plateau’s capacity to confront insecurity and pursue development.
