Abuja (Sundiata Post) – In a dramatic shift in Plateau State’s political landscape, key stakeholders from the Labour Party (LP) in the Northern Senatorial District have announced their decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a communique signed by Ayiki John Sati and thirteen others loyal to Gyang Yaya Zi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and the party’s 2023 senatorial candidate for Plateau North, at the end of the Labour Party’s stakeholders meeting in Jos, they expressed their decision to defect from the Labour Party (LP) and join the All Progressives Congress (APC) due to leadership crises and structural deficits within the party at both national and state levels, which had left members divided and disillusioned.
The gathering, which included candidates from the 2023 general elections, local government officials, and party loyalists, culminated in a collective endorsement of Gyang Zi’s leadership and his proposed move to the APC.
The stakeholders expressed disappointment with the current state of the Labour Party, particularly at the national and state levels, where they observed severe leadership deficits.
“The issues considered at the meeting includes; the state of affairs of the Labour Party at the National Level and in Plateau State in particular, the leadership deficits and the struggle by Aspirants and Candidates in ensuring the promotion and defence of the party and democracy, failure by the National and State leadership of the party to commence the restructuring of the party and other preparations for the 2025 Political Parties’ Activities.
“The mounted calls by members and lovers of the Justice and Rebirth Leader, Gyang Zi, SAN to reconsider his political interest and appropriately align himself viz v viz the members, the State and National interest, the state of politics in Nigeria especially in the countdown to 2025 Political Parties Congresses and Conventions, the Excellent Government Policy of Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as manifested by the giant developmental strides at the Federal Government Level and the need for our people in Plateau State to benefit”.
The ongoing internal leadership crisis, they argued, had divided the party into factions, leaving its members in a state of confusion and despair.
The meeting also highlighted the absence of tangible progress at the state level, with stakeholders noting that Plateau State had not witnessed the desired improvements without significant federal intervention.
Acknowledging the federal government’s contributions to the state, they collectively agreed that Gyang Zi should align with the APC to further push for development in Plateau State, particularly through its ongoing “Renewed Hope Agenda” spearheaded by President Tinubu.
Among the key points discussed was the recognition of Gyang Zi’s leadership qualities, which have garnered him widespread support across the Plateau North Senatorial District.
“The meeting however, could not trace much positive impact of the present Government at the State Level on the Plateau and have no faith that there will be any better achievements without the Federal Government’s intervention and Presence on the Plateau; therefore, came to the conclusion that Mr. President has done a lot to Plateau State, North Central Nigeria and hence deserves our support. Therefore, Gyang Zi, SAN should join the APC”.
The stakeholders praised his ability to listen and connect with the people, making him a unifying force in the area. As a result, they unanimously endorsed his move to the APC, believing it would offer better opportunities for Plateau State’s political and socio-economic advancement.
The group also emphasized the importance of a smooth transition into the APC and called on the ruling party’s leadership to extend a warm welcome to Gyang Zi and his supporters. In line with this, they committed to mobilizing grassroots support to ensure a strong APC presence in Plateau North.
The defecting stakeholders believe that joining the APC will not only benefit their leader but also strengthen the party’s influence in the state and provide a more conducive environment for achieving good governance.
In a clear statement of defection, the group officially denounced their membership of the Labour Party, pledging allegiance to the APC. They urged other supporters of Gyang Zi to follow suit, highlighting the need for unity in advancing the party’s goals.
The group also called for a focus on inclusivity, ensuring that women, youth, and marginalized groups remain active participants in the democratic process.
The communique noted that the meeting ended with a call for all political leaders in Plateau State to exercise restraint as the 2025 political activities approach. Stakeholders also took time to congratulate Gyang Zi on his recent elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), further cementing his political stature.
