A socio-political organisation, Plateau Vanguard for Democracy (PVD), has called on the people of Plateau State to look beyond primordial, ethnic and partisan sentiments following the defection of Governor Caleb Mutfwang to the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging citizens to embrace what it described as a “new Plateau” anchored on consensus, peace and development.

The group, speaking through its chairman, Mr. Christopher Ishaku, said the governor’s political decision should not be allowed to divide the state or reopen old fault lines, but rather serve as an opportunity to rally Plateau people around a shared vision of progress.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ishaku noted that Plateau’s history of political and communal tensions had often slowed development, stressing that the present moment demands maturity, restraint and collective responsibility from all stakeholders.

“We call on Plateau people to rise above primordial sentiments and narrow political considerations. This is the time to see a new Plateau — one driven by consensus, inclusiveness and a common commitment to development,” he said.

According to him, the controversy surrounding Mutfwang’s defection should not distract citizens from the larger task of building a peaceful and economically viable state.

“The obsession with party labels must not overshadow the urgent need to secure our communities, attract investment, fix infrastructure and create opportunities for our youths. Plateau’s progress is bigger than any single party,” Ishaku stated.

He argued that sustained peace and political stability remain the foundation for economic growth, adding that only a united Plateau can effectively leverage its vast agricultural, tourism and mineral potentials.

“If we get it right politically and socially, development will follow. Peace will deepen. And when peace is consolidated, the economy will naturally expand,” he said.

The PVD chairman further urged political leaders, traditional institutions, religious bodies and civil society groups to preach tolerance and dialogue, warning that inflammatory rhetoric could undermine the fragile cohesion the state is working to rebuild.

He maintained that the group would continue to advocate issue-based engagement and citizen participation, insisting that the future of Plateau lies in consensus-building rather than confrontation.