by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) party has returned Hon. Rufus Bature as Chairman of the party, to serve in another (consensus-driven) 4 years’ tenure.
The APC, which was expected to start about 10am, could not commerce until 4 pm, with screaming, as most delegates were at the venue much earlier, awaiting screening.
The APC State Congress was held on Tuesday in the State at the Landfield, Little Rayfield, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, with party leaders, delegates, and stakeholders describing the exercise as peaceful, historic, and consensus-driven.
The congress attracted members of the National Assembly, the Speaker and Members of the Plateau State House of Assembly, elders and stakeholders of the party, Chairmen of the 17 local government areas, local government party Chairmen, and duly accredited delegates from across the state.
In the same vein, observers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were also in attendance, alongside the party’s legal team, which supervises conduct of the election and the oath-taking process.
Speaking earlier, Chairman of the APC State Congress Committee, Hon. Oscar Yelwa, who coordinated the exercise, welcome all the delegates, stakeholders and members from the party’s national secretariat, and described the congress as a “defining moment” for the APC in Plateau State.
He mentioned the committees constituted for the exercise to include: State Congress Screening Committee, led by Abba Usman; State Congress Screening Appeal Committee, led by Chris Awange; State Congress Committee, led by Hon. Oscar Yelwa; State Congress Appeal Committee, led by Hon. Garba Kaye.
Hon. Yelwa commended party members for embracing consensus and democratic engagement, noting that the congress was convened to formally usher-in a new State Executive to steer the affairs of the APC.
Names of those who emerged as newly-elected leaders (EXCO) were announced by the Committee Secretary, Barrister Fidelis Wehe, after which the officials took the Oath Of Office. Hon. Rufus Bature emerged as the new Plateau State Chairman of the APC.
In his acceptance speech, Bature pledged to reposition the party for greater strength, ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that “Failure is not an option.”
He expressed gratitude to delegates and party leaders for the confidence reposed in him, and acknowledged the presence of Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the Deputy Governor, lawmakers, and other stakeholders.
He highlighted his long-standing service to Plateau State, noting that he had worked under three administrations: former Governors Chief Joshua Dariye, Senator Simon Lalong, and the current governor.
While describing his emergence as a huge responsibility, Hon. Rufus Bature assured party faithful that the new executive would uphold the ideals of the APC and meet the expectations of Plateau people.
Hon. Bature described the new development as significant political milestones achieved by the APC in Plateau State, including, three Senators, eight members of the House of Representatives, twenty-two members of the Plateau State House of Assembly, seventeen Local Government Chairmen, and three hundred and twenty-five Councilors. He said the party would intensify its expansion drive under the motto, “APC everywhere you go,” ahead of 2027.
According to him, this will not be business as usual; and assured that the party would actively monitor governance, conduct oversight within ministries and agencies, and ensure accountability among elected officials.
He aligned the state chapter with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and thanked the national leadership for its support
While Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang described the congress as historic, he also urged party members to remain united, adding, “We are one big family. Whatever concerns we have, we will resolve them as a family. We must not allow issues to divide us.”
He congratulated the new executive, reminding them that their loyalty must be to the party, the President, and the people of Plateau State, rather than to individuals.
He emphasized the need for aggressive grassroots mobilization, charging every registered APC member to recruit at least ten new members within the next month.
“To win general elections, we must go beyond party membership. Take the message of the party to every ward and community,” he said.
While expressing confidence in the party’s strength in the state, the governor maintained that unity would remain the APC’s greatest asset ahead of 2027.
He also assured members that efforts would be made to address grievances and ensure broader inclusion in party affairs.
The congress concluded peacefully, with party leaders expressing optimism that the APC in Plateau State would emerge stronger, more cohesive, and strategically positioned for future electoral contests.
Also, Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, Barrister Simon Bako Lalong, has congratulated the newly elected leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State, under the Chairmanship of Hon. Rufus Bature.
Senator Lalong felicitated with Hon. Bature on his return as State Chairman alongside other returning officials, as well as the newly elected members of the State Executive Committee (EXCO).
He described their emergence as a demonstration of the confidence reposed in them by party members and a call to greater service and commitment to the ideals of the APC.
The Senator particularly commended members of the party across the State for the peaceful conduct of the process and the ability to reach consensus without rancour or challenges.
He noted that the unity and maturity displayed by stakeholders is a positive signal for the growth and stability of the party in Plateau State.
Senator Lalong further stated that the successful exercise is a vindication of the purposeful leadership being provided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has made the APC an attractive and harmonious political party.
He urged the new leadership to work inclusively, carry all members along, and focus on consolidating the gains of the party, while preparing for future political engagements.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the party at all levels to ensure progress and victory in Plateau State and beyond.