Ahead of the 2025 political party Congresses, Plateau State Chapter of the Labour Party (LP) stakeholders has endorsed the defection of the candidate of the party in the 2023 general elections and the leader of Justice and Rebirth, Barr Gyang Zi SAN, to the All Progressive Congress (APC) on the Plateau.
The defection of Barr Zi SAN) is with the view to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
They made the call in a communique issued at the end of the enlarge meeting of the stakeholders from Plateau North senatorial zone at the residence of Barr. Gyang Zi in Rayfield Jos.
The communique which was jointly signed by Dr. Ayiki Sati Director General, Justice and Rebirth and Barr. Samuel Galadima- 2024 Chairmanship candidate of Jos East LGA among others said the call became imperative on the sideline of the leadership tussle at the National Level which violates the core principles and values for the formation of the Party as an alternative for Nigeria for the protection, sustenance of democracy and Social Justice.
They regretted that the leadership tussle of LP has also divided the party into factions leaving party loyalists and supporters in the state of despondency and confusion not knowing where they belong.
Daily Independent reports that the gathering included LP candidates from the 2023/2024 general elections, party executives, and support groups from the six local government areas of the Northern Senatorial District.
Besides, the focus of the discussions was centered on the state of the Labour Party at both national and state levels and the need for political realignment ahead of the 2025 party congresses and conventions.
The stakeholders further frowned at the structural weaknesses in LP and resolved to advise Barr Gyang Zi, to leave the party and join the APC while expressing confidence that the APC would provide him with a platform to advance good governance in the state.
The communique also emphasized the importance of political consultations, particularly with APC leaders at both state and national levels. It called for collaboration with Plateau State APC leaders, including Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, Sen. Simon Bako Lalong, Sen. Diket Plang, and other party officials.
According to the communique, supporters of Barr Gyang Zi also pledged to mobilize grassroots support for the APC, stating that their leader’s defection would strengthen the party in the state.
They urged the APC leadership to formally receive Gyang Zi and his supporters into the party, marking their official transition from the Labour Party.
Stakeholders also reiterated the need for inclusive governance, ensuring that youths, women, and less privileged individuals are sidelined in the democratic process and accordingly officially denounced their membership in the Labour Party, declaring their support for the APC.
They assured that all LP structures aligned with Gyang Zi would follow suit, shifting their loyalty to the ruling party in the state and at the National level.
PRESS STATEMENT 22/4/25
ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS
PLATEAU STATE
CHAPTER
KALWA HOUSE
YAKUBU GOWON
WAY
JOS.
LABOUR PARTY OF THE NORTHERN ZONE FINALLY COLLAPSES INTO THE APC.
Labour Party stalwarts and thousands of their supporters in the Northern zone this morning formally introduced themselves to the State Working Committee of the APC.
The Labour Party faithful in their thousands and led by the it's former Senatorial Candidate Gyang Zi SAN, enthusiastically revealed that after due diligence and consideration, they could but come to the conclusion that the APC is the ultimate platform for socio-economic development of their people.
Barrister Zi SAN, told the State Working Committee that their decision to join the APC is to build,consolidate and mobilize, for the success of the Party at all levels.
According to him,after watching and studying the Party's trajectory, the Labour Party supporters believe that the APC outshines other Political parties in power,particularly in terms of people oriented policies and programmes.
Receiving them in the APC Secretariat, State Chairman Rt. Hon. Rufus Bature,pointed out that today marks a turning point and a political milestone in the politics of the Northern zone.
He stated that the coming of the labour Party supporters into the APC's fold,has completely changed the political equation and arithmetic in the zone.
Rt. Hon.Bature assured that the former labour party supporters should avail themselves of all opportunities that abound in the APC, adding that they will enjoy all the rights and privileges due to all members of the Party.
After good will messages from the APC leadership in the United Kingdom, Barr. ZI SAN, was presented with the APC flag as a bonafide member of the Party.
Barr. Zi SAN was accompanied by all the six former House of Assembly,local government Chairmanship and Councillorship flag bearers of the labour Party in the Northern zone.
SGD.
Shittu Bamaiyi
Acting publicity Secretary.
