By Israel Adamu, Jos
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has recorded a major boost in Plateau State following the defection of over 2,000 members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party in Kapwis Ward of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The defectors were formally received at a colourful ceremony held at Government Secondary School (GSS) Bakin Kogi, Foron, in the Foron District of Barkin Ladi LGA. The event attracted a large turnout of party faithful, community leaders and residents, with songs and cheers marking the occasion.
Leading the group of defectors was Hon. Pharm. John Chun, Director of the Plateau State Liaison Office in Abuja. He was joined by several prominent figures, including 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; as well as Hon. Simon Dep and Hon. Shut Samuel, Special Advisers to the Executive Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government Council.
Other defectors included former councillors, state and local government appointees, and a large number of grassroots supporters.
Welcoming the new members on behalf of the APC were party 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, APC Chairman of Kapwis Ward; and other party leaders.
Addressing the gathering, the Ward Chairman assured the defectors of equal rights and opportunities within the APC and called for unity and cooperation to strengthen the party’s structures at ward, local government, state and national levels.
Rt. Hon. Isa Chungwom Song and other speakers described the mass defection as a strategic decision aimed at advancing development in Plateau State. They stressed the importance of sustained unity within the party to attract greater federal attention and development projects to the area.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Hon. Pharm. John Chun thanked APC leaders and members for the warm reception. He said the decision to join the ruling party was informed by what he described as the broader interest of Plateau State and the need to align more closely with the government at the centre to accelerate development.
He cited expectations around key infrastructure projects, including the proposed dualisation of the Akwanga–Jos Road and renewed optimism over the Korot–Bakin Kogi–Gindiri Road, following recent assessments by government officials.
Hon. Pharm. Kim Jerry Bot reaffirmed the defectors’ commitment to unity and development within the APC, while Hon. Markus Yakubu Gyang and Hon. Absolom pledged to work at the grassroots to strengthen the party and deliver democratic dividends to their constituents.
The ceremony climaxed with the symbolic presentation of APC membership cards and brooms to the new members, who pledged loyalty to the party amid jubilant celebrations.
The development adds to ongoing political realignments in Plateau State, as parties position themselves ahead of future electoral contests in the North-Central region.
