The All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally confirmed the defection of Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party, marking a significant political shift in the North Central region.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, during the party’s 14th National Caucus meeting held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. Yilwatda, who is an indigene of Plateau State, described the development as a major boost for the APC, noting that it effectively places all states in the North Central geopolitical zone under APC leadership.
According to him, the governor’s defection reflects growing confidence in the ruling party and underscores its expanding influence across the region.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presided over the National Caucus meeting, which was attended by several key party leaders, including six governors who have recently moved from the PDP to the APC. The meeting commenced at about 7:38 pm with the arrival of the President at the venue.
Earlier indications of Governor Mutfwang’s planned defection had emerged on Monday, when his Political Adviser, Mr. Istifanus Nwansat, publicly revealed that the governor was set to leave the PDP. Nwansat attributed the decision primarily to persistent internal crises within the opposition party, which he said had made it increasingly difficult for leaders to pursue stable and effective governance.
He explained that the governor undertook a careful evaluation of the political landscape before arriving at his decision, describing the APC as the most secure and viable option amid the ongoing uncertainty within the PDP.
“From our assessment and analysis of all available options, we have concluded that the decision with the least risk is to move into the APC,” Nwansat said.
He added that Governor Mutfwang believes aligning Plateau State with President Tinubu’s political direction and governance agenda would better serve the interests of the state and its people.
Nwansat further noted that the governor’s move was informed by a desire to strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government, particularly in areas of development, security, and infrastructure. He acknowledged what he described as the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to address national challenges and stabilize the country, stressing that closer alignment would help Plateau State benefit more from federal interventions.
“The governor considers it reasonable and in the best interest of the people of Plateau State to work closely with the President, especially in recognition of the steps being taken by the Federal Government to put things right,” he said.
The defection follows weeks of increasing pressure from PDP stakeholders and supporters within Plateau State. Recently, a coalition of PDP members drawn from the state’s 17 local government areas organized a rally in Jos, openly calling on Governor Mutfwang to defect to the APC.
At the rally, the group’s leader, Mr. Christopher Danjem, said their call was driven by a careful analysis of both the state and national political environment. According to him, the governor’s continued stay in the PDP was no longer in the best interest of Plateau State.
“We have examined the political realities in Plateau State and across the country, and we believe the governor should move to the APC,” Danjem stated.
He described Governor Mutfwang as a committed and performance-driven leader, adding that joining the ruling party would enhance Plateau State’s access to federal support and development projects.
Danjem also cited the Federal Government’s response to recent security challenges in the state, including a solidarity visit by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as a demonstration of President Tinubu’s concern for Plateau State.
According to him, Governor Mutfwang’s defection would deepen collaboration with the Federal Government, strengthen security efforts, and accelerate development initiatives across the state.
With the APC’s official confirmation, Governor Mutfwang’s defection further reshapes the political landscape of the North Central region and reinforces the ruling party’s growing dominance ahead of future political contests.
