The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Plateau State, Hon. Rufus Bature, has made a subtle appeal to President Bola Tinubu to consider him for a ministerial position following the elevation of Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda to the role of National Chairman of the party.
During an interaction with journalists at the APC state secretariat in Jos on Wednesday, Bature expressed confidence in his qualifications, stating that he is well-equipped to step into the ministerial role previously held by Yilwatda.
He emphasized that the final decision rests with President Tinubu but welcomed the prospect of being considered.
“Appointing a minister is at the discretion of President Bola Tinubu and if he finds me worthy to be one of his cabinet members, I will gladly accept to be one because I am ably qualified,” he said.
Reflecting on Yilwatda’s recent appointment as APC National Chairman, Bature described it as a significant milestone for Plateau State and a development that could enhance the state’s political standing at the national level.
“When the former National Chairman of APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, resigned from his position, there was a need to occupy that seat.
“We didn’t want to leave it to look like there was no other person that could fit into those shoes, and therefore, the necessary procedures as defined by the constitution of the APC were followed after a thorough search and research on individuals.
“The lot fell on one of our own, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who was nominated by Mr. President and ratified by the National Executive Committee of APC, and by the grace of God, is the new chairman of APC. And so I think it’s kudos to Plateau State.”
Bature noted that the appointment comes at a critical time and aligns with the broader goal of strengthening the party in the state. He also acknowledged the historical significance of the development.
“The appointment is to complement what we are doing on the Plateau. We are happy because the image of Plateau State has been bolstered.
“I think the last person who held the position of a National Chairman from Plateau was the late Baba Solomon Lar.
“Making Prof. Yilwatda the National Chairman of our great party has further boosted our image as a state. All we need to do is for him to complement our electoral value on the Plateau when elections come in 2027,” he noted.
