The National Chairman of the Plateau Vanguard for Democracy (PVD), Mr Christopher Ishaku, has applauded what he described as a rare and mature political transition in Plateau.
This followed the seamless embrace between supporters of Gov. Caleb Mutfwang and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja, Ishaku said Plateau had defied the pattern seen in other states where political realignments often breeded suspicion, resentment and factional hostility.
“Unlike in several states where the entry of a sitting governor into the APC triggered distrust and internal wrangling, Plateau has demonstrated political maturity.
“What we are witnessing is not just a merger of interests, but a genuine reconciliation of purpose,” he said.
He commended the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, for what he described as “statesmanlike leadership and bridge-building diplomacy,” noting that the party’s national leadership provided the needed reassurance for grassroots members to embrace the new alignment.
The PVD chairman also paid tribute to former Gov. Simon Lalong, describing him as “a stabilising voice whose political experience and commitment to peace has helped calm nerves and deepen trust within the fold”.
Ishaku specially lauded Mutfwang, whom he credited for creating the enabling environment that made the seamless integration possible.
“The governor’s governance traction on the ground visible in infrastructure renewal, security coordination and inclusive leadership has inspired confidence across party lines.
“People are embracing unity not out of compulsion, but because they can see the dividends of responsible leadership,” he added.
According to him, the fusion of the two major political blocs on the Plateau has evolved into a phenomenon never before witnessed in the political history of the state.
“This is beyond politics. It is about Plateau first. The unity we are seeing today reflects a collective understanding that development thrives best in an atmosphere of cooperation rather than confrontation.”
He urged party faithful and residents to sustain the spirit of unity, emphasising that the new alignment presents a historic opportunity to consolidate peace and fast-track development across state.
By Deborah Coker
