A socio-political group, the Plateau Vanguard for Democracy, has commended Senator Simon Bako Lalong for what it described as an altruistic and statesmanlike decision to hand over the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State to Governor Caleb Mutfwang following the governor’s recent defection to the party.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Mr Christopher Ishaku, and made available to journalists on Tuesday, the group said Lalong’s move marked a turning point in Plateau politics, especially given the long-standing political tension between both men after the 2023 governorship election.

Lalong, a former governor of Plateau State, had backed Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as his preferred successor in the last election, a contest in which Mutfwang emerged victorious. The rivalry that followed had, for months, defined the internal dynamics of opposition politics in the state.

However, PVD noted that Lalong’s decision to yield party leadership to Mutfwang, despite their past differences, reflected political maturity and a willingness to place the collective interest of Plateau above personal or factional considerations.

The group further observed that the new political alignment presents a unique opportunity for Plateau State, noting that with Professor Nentawe Yilwatda now serving as the National Chairman of the APC and Mutfwang as governor on the same platform, major political stakeholders are now “in the same ship.”

“This convergence offers Plateau an uncommon chance to consolidate influence at both state and national levels,” the group said.

PVD called on supporters of both Governor Mutfwang and Senator Lalong to close ranks and work together to protect the political and developmental interests of Plateau State.

Beyond politics, the group stressed that unity had become an urgent necessity in the face of worsening insecurity in parts of the state.

It urged political leaders and citizens to coalesce in confronting criminal infiltrators and bandits who, it said, continue to attack communities, kill residents, and destabilise livelihoods.

According to the statement, sustained political stability would make it easier for the state to mobilise resources, coordinate security responses, and project Plateau’s concerns more effectively within the national space.

The group cautioned against actions capable of reigniting political divisions, warning that internal fractures would only weaken Plateau’s capacity to confront insecurity and pursue development.

“The moment calls for cooperation rather than recrimination,” PVD said, urging all stakeholders to support collaborative governance and resist provocations.

The Plateau Solidarity Movement concluded that Plateau stood at a defining moment and must seize the opportunity to move forward as one people.