The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday confirmed the defection of Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party.
The announcement was made by APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, during the party’s 14th National Caucus meeting at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, which was presided over by President Bola Tinubu.
Prof. Yilwatda said Governor Mutfwang’s move ensures that all states in the North-Central geopolitical zone are now under APC governance. The caucus meeting drew several APC leaders, including governors who recently left the PDP for the ruling party.
Governor Mutfwang’s Political Adviser, Mr Istifanus Nwansat, attributed the decision to persistent internal crises within the PDP. He described the APC as the “safest option” amid growing instability in the opposition party.
“From our assessment of all available options, we concluded that the decision with the least risk is to move into the APC,” Nwansat said.
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He added that the governor believes aligning with President Tinubu serves Plateau State’s best interests, particularly given the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to tackle security and development challenges.
“The governor believes it is reasonable and in the interest of the people to align with the President, especially in view of the Federal Government’s initiatives to restore stability and development,” he stated.
The defection follows a rally in Jos where some PDP members publicly urged Governor Mutfwang to join the APC. Speaking at the rally, its leader, Mr Christopher Danjem, said the move would strengthen Plateau State’s relationship with the Federal Government and attract more development projects.
“We have analysed the political landscape in Plateau State and the country. We believe the governor should join the APC,” Danjem said, highlighting federal concern over security challenges in the state.
According to The Nation, Governor Mutfwang’s defection marks the sixth sitting PDP governor to join the APC in 2025, citing internal party instability and the need to align with the Federal Government. Others include Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta State, April), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom, June), Peter Mbah (Enugu, October), Douye Diri (Bayelsa, October), and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers, December).
