Governor Caleb Mutfwang, on Tuesday, said his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress Party is not to take over but to add value to the party.

Mr Mutfwang gave the assurance during a ceremony to formally receive him into the APC.

The governor, who noted that the broom, which was the symbol of the APC, signified unity of purpose, added that his coming into the party was to strengthen national unity.

“The symbol of the APC as a broom symbolises that many pieces tied together in one bundle are much more effective than just single pieces. I therefore want to thank my brothers, whom I met in the APC in the state.

“Led by Senator Bako Lalong, who has graciously referred to me as the leader of the party in the state, I want to thank you for that exhibition of maturity. My deep appreciation also goes to Prof Nentawe, the Party’s Chairman, and all who have held leadership positions in the APC on the Plateau.

“We have not come to take over, but to add value to the party. We have come to make you better and stronger. We have come together; all political rivalry on the Plateau will henceforth stop. Together, we will reap the benefits of unity,” he said.

While also expressing immense gratitude to the president and his team for the support shown to him in spite of not being an APC member, Mr Mutfwang emphasised that his defection wa founded on his conviction that Mr Tinubu was the right leader for the country.

“I want to pay my respects to the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu,who specifically invited me to join this new movement that is taking Nigeria to greater heights. I want to thank all of you for turning up this afternoon in solidarity with the people of Plateau state and us. Thank you all for this great honour today.

“As already been said, this is a day of history, we have formally begun a journey, the journey of redefining the political demographics of Nigeria, which will reposition Plateau as a must-win state in future elections.

“I am persuaded that the people of Plateau, with whom we have found favour, have agreed with us that we will support President Tinubu for re-election in 2027. I know that the times are challenging, but I can tell you confidently that in my private conversations with him, I have seen his passion and commitment to rejigging Nigeria and putting it on the path of prosperity, unity and progress,” he said.

(NAN)