Former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Solomon Bulus Maren, has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging to work with stakeholders to strengthen the party and drive development across Plateau State.
The defection ceremony, held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Mbar Community Centre in Bokkos Local Government Area, drew prominent party stakeholders, community leaders, and hundreds of supporters from across the state.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Maren said his decision to join the APC was guided by a deep sense of responsibility to the progress and stability of his community and Plateau State.
He assured supporters of his capacity to mobilize and consolidate the party’s strength across the state.
“I assure you, I have the capacity to turn what is here today to the APC tomorrow. We have no reason in Plateau State not to support the APC today. The President and the stakeholders of the party at the national level have honoured Plateau State by appointing one of our finest sons, a Professor of Engineering, as the National Chairman of this great party — the largest party in Africa,” he said.
Maren commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing policies that, according to him, have repositioned Nigeria’s economy and improved transparency in governance.
He particularly praised the removal of fuel subsidy, describing it as a bold and decisive move that exposed long-standing corruption in the system.
Maren further urged Nigerians to hold all tiers of government accountable rather than directing blame solely at the Federal Government, stressing that state and local governments also receive substantial allocations.
“The President’s policies have emancipated the country. The removal of oil subsidy exposed a scam. Before now, Nigeria’s local governments were owed up to 14 months of salaries because we were paying for fuel subsidy. Today, they have enough funds to pay salaries and even deliver projects for the people
.“We must learn to hold our leaders at all three tiers of government accountable for the problems facing Nigeria. If good laws and policies are made at the state and local levels, our people will feel the impact positively,” he added.
While appreciating the large turnout of supporters at the event, Maren said his entry into the APC symbolises unity, renewal, and commitment to the collective good of Plateau people.
He also expressed confidence in the leadership of the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, describing him as intelligent, forthright, and capable of strengthening the party both nationally and within Plateau State.
In his remarks, the member representing Bokkos/Mangu Federal Constituency, Hon. Lalu Ishaya, described Maren’s return to the APC as a significant political development that would consolidate the party’s base in Plateau State.
“This means greatness, readiness, success, and above all, victory. United we stand, divided we fall. At this point, we are becoming a formidable force,” he stated, adding that the APC remains a welcoming party that offers every member equal opportunity and a sense of belonging.
Also speaking, Brig. Gen. John Sura (Rtd) described Maren’s defection as a “wise and timely decision,” saying it marks Plateau’s return to national relevance and inclusion.
“It is time for us, as Plateau people, to return to the centre — to the national government — where decisions are made and opportunities are created. Remaining on the sidelines means denying ourselves development and inclusion,” he said.
He added that President Tinubu’s administration has been fair and supportive to Plateau State through appointments and projects, assuring that APC leaders would continue to work together to ensure the people benefit maximally from this renewed partnership.
The event was characterised by solidarity speeches, party chants, and jubilation, as supporters declared their commitment to ensuring the APC continues to grow stronger across Plateau State.
