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Tag: Mutfwang

  • Mutfwang engages key U.S. agencies on economic development, bilateral trade

    Mutfwang engages key U.S. agencies on economic development, bilateral trade

    As part of Plateau State’s commitment to deepening sub-national international  engagements and aligning with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has arrived in the United States on a strategic economic, development and bilateral trade mission.

    The visit is aimed at engaging key U.S. institutions, including the United States Development Finance Corporation (DFC), the United States Export-Import Bank (EXIM), senior officials of the U.S. State Department, and other policy and investment stakeholders, to explore investment, trade and development opportunities that will benefit Plateau State and Nigeria at large.

    As part of his early engagements, Mutfwang met with U.S. Congressman Riley Moore, where discussions focused on strengthening the growing partnership between Nigeria and the United States, particularly in the areas of economic cooperation, investment, security and democratic governance.

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    The governor highlighted the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises the welfare, security and prosperity of Nigerians. He underscored the significant progress being recorded in the fight against insurgency, noting that the President’s decisive leadership and commitment to national security are beginning to yield positive and measurable results across the country.

     Moore commended Mutfwang for the visit and expressed his strong interest in deepening U.S.–Nigeria relations. He reaffirmed his commitment to working with the Nigerian Government to promote a comprehensive partnership that will be mutually beneficial to both nations.

    Mutfwang, in turn, thanked Moore and the U.S. Government for their continued support and partnership, and reaffirmed Plateau’s readiness to further strengthen cooperation in investment, development, security and people-to-people relations.

  • PDP crisis: Why I rejected expulsion of Wike, others, by Mutfwang

    PDP crisis: Why I rejected expulsion of Wike, others, by Mutfwang

    Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has explained why he objected to the expulsion of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and other members of Group of Five (G5)  governors by the factional Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership.

    He said it was not the right thing to do because it further worsened the protracted crisis in the main opposition party.

    Mutfwang,  who spoke with reporters in Jos, the state capital, after the defection rally, said there was no prior consultation before the decision was taken, adding that only a few people imposed it on the party.

    Wike and 11 stalwarts were suspended at the factional convention held at the Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan, Oyo State, following a motion by a party elder from Lagos State, Chief Olabode George, who accused them of disloyalty, insurbodination and other anti-party activities.

    Apart from Wike, other expelled chieftains are  former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, factional National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Umar Bature, National Director of Organization, and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN).

    Also dismissed were factional Acting Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed, factional Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Mao Ohuabunwa, Austin Nwachukwu, George Turner, Abraham Amali and Dan Orbih, Southsouth zonal leader.

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    Mutfwang and Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri instantly dissociated themselves from the action.

    In reaction to the sack, the Wike/Anyanwu faction announced the expulsion of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, his Oyo and Zamfara counterparts,  Seyi Makinde and Dauda Lawal; Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, newly elected factional Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, former Deputy Chairman, Chief Bode George, Senator Ben Obi among others.

    Reflecting on the crisis, Mutfwang said he objected to the dismissal on principle, inisting that he was not privy to the disciplinary measure.

    He recalled: “I objected out of principle because it was done surreptitiously. There was no conversation around it that I was privy to, and I felt that a decision of such magnitude should not just be taken by a few people. “Moreover, I didn’t see the purpose it was going to achieve. It was only going to deepen the divide, and as you can see, the situation has worsened since then.”

    Mutfwang said the crisis multiplied after the expulsion because the it was a wrong strategy.

    He added: “If you followed the trend last week, there was a particular fiasco in court, which is like walking into a trap. Before you get out of such entanglement, a lot of water has passed under the bridge. I thought it was a wrong strategy to take control of the party.”

    The governor said apart from the invitation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), there was no point staying in PDP because it became a wobbling platform.

    He said: “From September or thereabout, the PDP began to wobble seriously. It got to the point where, as an insider, I became aware, as one of our elders said, that the PDP had fallen into the hands of undertakers.

    “At that point, the question was whether I was still going on with 2027 or not. I likened it to having a very serious appointment, like a wedding, ahead of you, and the vehicle you are travelling in breaks down very irreparably. You are forced at that point either to look for a mechanic or to look for another vehicle.

    “Going into 2027, I needed a platform. When I looked at it and saw that the PDP was not likely going to become a viable platform for 2027, I had to think of an option. The options were either to look for a new political party or to accept the invitation by the President.”

    Mutfwang added: “I did my own intelligence gathering about the state of parties in Nigeria, I found that it was least dangerous for me to respond to the President than to think of a new platform. I have never believed in the gladiators in the ADC, for example, and I didn’t think that was an option for me.”

    Mutfwang added: “in the year, the circumstances were entirely different. After that, events began to emerge that I never contemplated, which forced me to have a rethink. It is that rethink that has brought me to this point now, where, after much consultation, I thought it was safer to go with the APC.”

    The governor said he has no regret joining the APC, stressing that the realignment will bring dividends to Plateau.

    Mutfwang stressed: “For me, it is to expect more collaboration, more enhancement and more support to continue what we have started doing. I must be honest, we haven’t witnessed too much hostility from the Federal Government.

    “At least, in the last one year plus, I think, I’ve enjoyed considerable collaboration with the Federal Government. Now that I’m part of the family, I expect even more enhanced collaboration in the future.

    “What is emerging is that Plateau State is becoming like the jewel of the crown in the North Central. I believe that all the potential to harvest votes on the Plateau will be nurtured so that we can deliver on the potential and produce that we hold.”

  • APC receives Mutfwang today

    APC receives Mutfwang today

    …Shettima, Akpabio, Yilwatda, governors storm Jos

    …Group lists gains of defection 

    Jos, capital of Plateau State is aglow festivities today as Governor Caleb  defects from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead the party leaders who will receive the governor at the Polo Ground, in the heart of the ancient city.

    Also expected at the rally are the national chairman, Prof. Netanwe Yilwatda,Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, former Plateau Governor Simon Lalong and members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), led by Imo Stste Governor Hope Uzodimma. 

    Mutfwang will received the APC flag along with his deputy, Josephine Piyo, House of Assembly members, commissioners, advisers,local government chairmen, and other PDP chieftains.

    He will automatically become the state party leader who will drive the mobilisation through e-membership registration.

    The governor’s Director of Media and Public Affairs,  Dr. Gyang Bere, told reporters that the people are excited because of the implications of the defection for development. 

    He said the move would unite the Northcentral and result into a marriage that will herald solutions to developmental challenges, including infrastructural development and security. 

    Bere said it would also bring the Federal Government and Plateau closer and rekindle the people’s trust in the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration. 

    He said the advantages of greater federal support and internal harmony are enormous. 

    Also, a group, Plateau Vanguard for Democracy (PVD), outlined the enormous benefits likely to acrue to the state, following the defection.

    It urged stakeholders to embrace the development as a turning point for unity and progress.

    The group called on political leaders, residents and stakeholders in to view the governor’s alignment with the ruling party as an opportunity to end years of divisive politics and channel energies towards peace, development and inclusive governance.

    Its chairman, Christopher Ishaku, described the defection as a strategic realignment that could transform political rivalry into collaboration for the greater good of the state.

    Read Also: President, Nentawe, others expected in Jos for Mutfwang grand reception

    He said, “We should see this moment as one in which valuable assets that had been deployed in political brinkmanship will now be channelled toward the development of Plateau State.”

    Ishaku emphasised that bringing together the governor’s political structure and former rivals in the APC would create a stronger, more unified platform to tackle the state’s longstanding challenges.

    He added, “The defection of the governor will consolidate the different tendencies in the state into a cohesive body that will ultimately make Plateau better.”

    He said that Plateau’s advancement depends more on cooperation among leaders than on rigid party loyalties, stressing that the new political configuration should drive strategic unity and a renewed focus on tangible governance results.

    Ishaku ssid the evolving landscape presents a rare catalyst for healing divisions, fostering inclusive leadership and delivering real improvements in security, economy and infrastructure for residents.

  • Plateau council APC okays Tinubu, Mutfwang for second term

    Plateau council APC okays Tinubu, Mutfwang for second term

    Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Pankshin Local Government have endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for re-election.

    The endorsement was made at a special stakeholders’ meeting of the party at the Pankshin Youth Centre.

    The motion for the endorsement was moved by the former Speaker, state House of Assembly, Emmanuel Go’ar and seconded by the Chief Medical Director of the state Specialist Hospital, Prof. Christopher Yilgwan, who described the decision as courageous and strategic.

    Prominent stakeholders at the meeting included a member representing Pankshin South at the House of Assembly, Denty Laven, Chief Maichibu Vwarji, Chief Emmanuel Magni, Salome Wanglek, Samuel Go’ar, Audu Kak’mena, Hart Bonkat, former State PDP women leader, Chief Pedro, Pefun, Hin Dan-Philip Hirkop, and Nanle Gujor.

    The stakeholders vowed to mobilise votes forTinubu and Mutfwang.

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    They also endorsed the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda to continue in office.

    Senator Diket Plang expressed delight that the APC had resolved to work together as one family to deliver  Tinubu and Mutfwang for a second term.

    Plang, who is also the leader of the APC in the Central Zone, said the decision to support President and governor’s re-election was rooted in facts, vision, and the tangible benefits already accruing to the state and the local governments from alignment with the centre.

    The Senator commended Mutfwang for his maturity, saying his inclusive leadership style would help the party achieve its objectives.

    Also, the Chairman of Pankshin Local Government, Felix Gonung, described the endorsement as a step in the right direction.

    The chairman urged party members to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness and humility, and to rise above bitterness and divisive tendencies in the interest of peace, development, and progress of the local government and the state.

    Gonung urged party members to participate in the party’s electronic registration to revalidate their membership cards.

     Laven praised the decision of the stakeholders to endorse President and governor Mutfwang for a second term, adding that he would mobilise votes for the party in the next general election.

    The Chairman, APC,  Pankshin Local Government Area, Yakubu Damulak, urged party members to remain united to enable them to canvass votes for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

  • Mutfwang resigns from PDP

    Mutfwang resigns from PDP

    • Plateau governor to register with APC today

    Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    He explained that given the realities of the moment, he was compelled to seek an alternative political platform.

    Although he did not mention the party he will join, it was confirmed that he is defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The governor delivered his resignation letter to PDP’s chairman at Ampang West Ward in Mangu Local Government Area.

    In the letter, dated December 29, last year, Mutfwang said he took the action to enable him to pursue purposeful leadership, clarity of direction, and effective service delivery through an alternative political platform.

    In the resignation letter, which was officially received and acknowledged by the ward leadership on December 30, last year, the governor expressed gratitude to the PDP for the opportunity it provided him to participate in the democratic process.

    Read Also: APC stalwart hails Mutfwang’s defection, says Plateau now in political mainstream

    He acknowledged the support of party leaders, members, and supporters at all levels during his time in the party, describing the experience as one for which he remained deeply grateful.

    “I write to formally notify you of my resignation from the PDP with immediate effect.”

    “I sincerely appreciate the PDP for providing me the political platform to participate in the democratic process,” the letter stated. “I acknowledge the support of party leaders, members, and supporters at all levels during my time in the party, and I remain grateful for the trust reposed in me.”

    The governor had earlier announced his resolve to join the ruling APC.

    It was gathered that Mutfwang will today pick up the APC membership card in his ward to officially become the party’s member.

    The Nation reports that APC has fixed January 26 to formally receive the governor into the progressives’ fold.

  • Mutfwang reinforces security with recruitment of 1,450 personnel

    Mutfwang reinforces security with recruitment of 1,450 personnel

    The Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to strengthen peace and security across the state through inclusive, community-based security outfit Operation Rainbow.

    Mutfwang made the statement at the Passing Out parade of 1,450 recruited and trained Operatives of the State-owned, security outfit, “Operation Rainbow,” saying it is their collective “resolve to build a safer and more peaceful Plateau State.”

    “We celebrate not just the successful completion of this rigorous training programme but the birth of a renewed commitment to service, courage, discipline, and sacrifice…’The noble call…to protect lives and property, preserve peace, and safeguard the future of our communities. For this, the Government and the good people of Plateau State are immensely proud of you.”‘

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    Mutfwang stressed that peace and security remain central to his administration, noting that “security remains the bedrock upon which sustainable development is built; without peace, there can be no meaningful progress, investment or prosperity.”

    He explained that his government has prioritised community-based security initiatives.

    “Effective security begins from within our communities, which is why we have strengthened vigilante and community support structures as partners in our broader security architecture,” Mutfwang said.

    According to him, the operatives were trained not only in tactical skills but also in human rights, discipline and respect for the rule of law.

    The Governor urged the operatives to act professionally in the discharge of their duties.

    “You are not above the law; rather, you are its guardians and partners, and you must conduct yourselves with the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and restraint.”

    He also charged them to work closely with conventional security agencies, traditional rulers and religious leaders.

    Mutfwang said Operation Rainbow “was conceived primarily to protect all citizens irrespective of their faith, ethnic group or background, and not to witch-hunt anyone.”

    He assured the operatives of government support, saying, “This administration remains steadfast in its commitment to your welfare, including continuous training, improved welfare packages and the provision of necessary logistics.”

    The Governor also called on Plateau residents to support security agencies, noting that “security is a collective responsibility, and together, we shall prevail,” as the state partners with the Nigerian Air Force for aerial surveillance during the festive period.

  • APC fixes Jan. 26 to admit Mutfwang into party

    APC fixes Jan. 26 to admit Mutfwang into party

    Leaders of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) at the national and state levels have concluded plans to organise a colorful reception for Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang on January 26, next year

    The party’s acting State Publicity Secretary, Shittu Bamayi, announced that the reception is meant to officially welcome Mutfwang into the progressives’ family.

    In a statement yesterday in Jos, the state capital, the acting spokesman stated that the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, unfolded the reception ceremony to reporters after a well-attended stakeholders’ meeting at the Crest Hotel in Jos.

    Bamayi said the planned reception would show that the entire state is now under APC, with the governor coming on board the party.

    Addressing the stakeholders, Yilwatda said Mutfwang’s entry into the APC would further galvanise, consolidate and strengthen the party across the state.

    The national chairman stressed that he is interested in everybody who matters in the country and wants to join the party.

    He promised to work hard and ensure that the APC legitimately wins future elections from top to bottom.

    Yilwatda said the present Executive Councils across the country have been transmuted into caretaker committees and that their tenure will end in March next year.

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    The national chairman urged all party members to participate in the E-registration to make them bona fide APC faithful.

    Also, a former Plateau State governor, Senator Simon Lalong, praised the party members for their resilience, faithfulness, and support to the APC in the state.

    Lalong, who is also the Party Leader in Plateau State, allayed the fears of the members over the recent development, describing them as unnecessary.

    He said party members would continue to be recognised, respected and carried along in all political arrangements.

    APC State Chairman, Rufus Bature, said party members would continue to abide by the decisions of the leadership. assured that members of the APC will continue to respect the decision of their leaders.

    The state Chairman of the Council of Elders, Ambassador Danladi Wuyep, expressed delight with the turnout of the stakeholders and expressed the hope that the interest of the people who toiled for the party would be recognised.

  • Mutfwang’s defection: what does it portend for Northcentral

    Mutfwang’s defection: what does it portend for Northcentral

    After months of rumours, denials, counter-denials and political shadowboxing, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has finally taken the step many had predicted but few could time.

    His defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has not only redrawn the political map of Plateau State but also reshaped its political landscape. Still, it has also handed the APC complete control of the North-Central geopolitical zone.

    The announcement came in Abuja during the APC’s 14th National Caucus meeting at the State House Conference Centre. National Chairman of the party, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, broke the news to party leaders and stakeholders.

    “With the defection of Governor Mutfwang, the entire North-Central region is now governed by the APC,” Yilwatda said, describing the move as a significant boost to the party’s regional dominance.

    For Plateau, the development ended over a year of intense speculation that had consumed political conversations across the state. From Jos to Shendam, from party offices to beer parlours, the question was the same: would Mutfwang defect or not?

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    The rumours gained momentum against the backdrop of a nationwide political realignment that has seen governors, lawmakers, and party heavyweights steadily migrate into the APC, leaving the PDP weakened and fragmented. The Plateau was no exception. Several PDP stalwarts, including former lawmakers, ex-senators, and top campaign figures from the 2023 elections, had already crossed over, fuelling the belief that the governor’s move was only a matter of time.

    Yet Mutfwang repeatedly dismissed the claims, insisting he had no intention of leaving the party that brought him to office. At one point, he even accused the APC of mounting pressure on him.

    “An attempt has indeed been made for me to join the APC, which I have refused to bow to,” he said at the time. “Only two people would authorise me to change my party. One is the God of heaven, and the other is you, the people.”

    Rather than calming nerves, those denials deepened suspicion. As more PDP leaders defected and APC influence grew stronger on the Plateau, the political atmosphere became increasingly tense.

    Reacting to the eventual defection, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Inter-Party Relations, John Akans, said the decision was neither sudden nor personal. In a telephone interview, Akans stressed that Mutfwang did not act alone.

    “This is not a unilateral decision by the governor,” he said. “It is the collective decision of stakeholders across the state. Consultations were wide, deep, and inclusive. Party leaders, political allies, and grassroots actors were all carried along before this step was taken.”

    Akans said the move reflected the prevailing political reality and Plateau leaders’ desire to reposition the state within the national power structure.

    “The stakeholders believe this move will better position Plateau State to attract federal presence, deepen political inclusion, and accelerate development,” he explained. “The governor remains committed to the mandate given to him by the people, irrespective of the party platform.”

    He described the defection as more than a routine political switch.

    “This is a movement, not just a defection,” Akans said. “It is a realignment aimed at strengthening governance and ensuring Plateau State is not left out of national political calculations and dynamics.”

    According to him, concerns that the defection might distract the government were unfounded. “The governor’s focus remains on peace, unity, and delivering good governance to the people of Plateau State,” he added.

    The decision, however, has not been without controversy. While pro-Mutfwang groups hailed it as a strategic move that would unlock federal goodwill and restore Plateau’s voice at the centre, some APC loyalists initially resisted the idea of welcoming a sitting PDP governor into their fold.

    Groups opposed to the move raised concerns about governance, internal party balance, and the fate of existing APC structures in the state. Others argued that aligning with the centre was a political necessity rather than an ideological choice.

    Despite the disagreements, the national leadership of the APC appears to have prevailed, seeing the governor’s entry as consistent with its broader expansion strategy. With Yilwatda, a Plateau indigene, as national chairman, Mutfwang’s defection also carries symbolic weight for the party.

    For the PDP, the loss is another painful blow in a season of steady decline. Once dominant in the North-Central, the party now finds itself shut out of the region’s governorship seats, raising questions about its ability to halt further defections ahead of future elections.

    For Plateau State, the long months of uncertainty have given way to a new political reality. Whether the promises of stronger federal ties and accelerated development will materialise remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the “hullabaloo” is over.

    Governor Caleb Mutfwang has made his choice, and with it, the APC has secured total control of the North-Central zone.

  • Mutfwang’s defection will strengthen APC’s prospects for 2027, says Dati

    Mutfwang’s defection will strengthen APC’s prospects for 2027, says Dati

    A stalwart of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Yakubu Dati, has welcomed the defection of Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang into the ruling party.

    He said the governor’s defection would be another political masterstroke for strengthen President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s chances for another term in office by 2027.

    Dati described the movement of the Plateau State governor into the APC as a plus for the ruling party.

    The APC stalwart said it would consolidate more grounds for the President and his party ahead of the next general election.

    Dati, who said this while addressing reporters at the weekend, noted that the movement of the governor into the APC would enable him to align with the centre, especially with the leadership provided by President Tinubu.

    The APC chieftain said it would also provide political comfort to deepen development, capacity, and strategic negotiation.

    Dati said: “No doubt, alignment with the centre, especially for a leader like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, provides political comfort to deepen more development buoyed by leadership capacity and strategic negotiation.

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    “Defections also consolidate power as governors rarely move alone. They do so with their legislators, commissioners, and local government officials. This is a plus for the ruling party as this strengthens its position ahead of 2027.”

    The APC stalwart said Governor Mutfwang’s defection is necessary for further development of Plateau State.

    The Plateau State governor officially joined the APC during last week’s 14th National Caucus meeting in Abuja.

    According to Dati, the announcement by APC’s National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, which confirmed Mutfwang’s movement into the fold of the progressives, ended months of speculations.

    Dati said now that the Plateau State governor has moved to the APC, there is an assurance by political players to eschew politics of sentiments and transit into the mainstream of Nigeria’s politics.

    He described Mutfwang’s defection as a homecoming of sorts, affirming that many other states have since found out that an alignment with the centre presents a renewed hope.

    He said: “This action by Governor Mutfwang while definitely aligning Plateau with the ruling party at the federal level, will also unlock greater access to resources, accelerate development projects, and foster national policy influence.

    “The realignment is also laden with the prospects of reducing partisan friction while enabling smoother governance and faster implementation of infrastructure and security initiatives.”

    Dati said former Governors Dave Umahi (Ebonyi), Ben Ayade (Cross River) and Bello Matawalle (Zamfara) have keyed into this idea for the greater benefit of their states.

    According to him, Delta and Akwa Ibom states are already enjoying low-hanging fruit.

    Presenting a bigger picture of the development, Dati noted that with the defection of Governor Mutfwang, the Northcentral is now governed by the APC.

    He said: “As an indigene of Plateau State, I cannot but say Eureka to this development, with the epiphany that my state has realigned not just with the centre but with its siblings in the Northcentral zone, giving our dear state a stronger identification and a sense of belonging.

    “The Northcentral occupies a strategic space in Nigeria’s power map. Frequently courted during elections, it, however, struggles to convert relevance into sustained federal attention.

    “In 1983 under the Second Republic, Plateau was the only state that chose to be different in party affiliation with its closest neighbours as Benue, Bauchi, Gongola, and Kaduna all belonged to the ruling party at the centre.

    “But the consequences were glaring as there was no synergy between the state and the centre to complement the drive of our father, Chief Solomon Lar, who would have achieved much more with the support of the party at the centre.

    “Before Thursday, when Mutfwang defected, Plateau was reminiscent of the old order. It was the only odd one out, with Benue, Kwara, Niger, Nasarawa, and Kogi all belonging to the ruling party.”

    Dati added: “There are definitely going to be challenges occasioned by this action, as some would feel it would dampen their influence on the party. But such considerations are selfish and not forward-looking.

    “Governor Mutfwang will, therefore, face the challenge of uniting other members with those who are moving to the APC with him, as there are entrenched party factions and rival ambitions.

    “Plateau’s APC, long in opposition, carries its own internal tensions, hence success for the party will require discipline, inclusion, and strategic clarity to gain from federal alignment and stabilise governance.

    “The good thing is that with the alignment, the cooperation of notable party leaders in the state, including Idris Ahmed Wase, the Deputy Speaker of the Ninth Assembly, will be secured to give APC the needed push to navigate the political landmines.

    “In a region long sensitive to political neglect, Governor Mutfwang has done well and taken the right decision to move Plateau State forward.”

  • APC confirms Plateau Gov Mutfwang’s defection from PDP

    APC confirms Plateau Gov Mutfwang’s defection from PDP

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has confirmed the defection of Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party.

    The confirmation was announced 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, Abuja. President Bola Tinubu presided over the meeting.

    Prof. Yilwatda said Governor Mutfwang’s defection means that all states in the North-Central geopolitical zone are now governed by the APC. 

    The caucus meeting was attended by several APC leaders, including governors who recently left the PDP for the ruling party.

    Earlier, the governor’s Political Adviser, Mr Istifanus Nwansat, had attributed the decision to internal crises within the PDP, describing the APC as the “safest option” amid growing instability in the opposition party.

    “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 with President Tinubu is in the best interest of Plateau State, particularly in view of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to address security and development challenges.

    “The governor believes it is reasonable and in the interest of the people to align with the President, especially given our recognition of the efforts of the Federal Government in putting things right,” he stated.

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    The defection comes days after a rally in Jos where some PDP members openly 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 situation in Plateau State and the country, and we believe the governor should join the APC,” Danjem said, citing federal concern over security challenges in the state.

    The Nation reports that in 2025, at least five sitting PDP governors have defected to the APC, citing internal instability and the need to align with the Federal Government. 

    They include Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State (April), Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State (June), Peter Mbah of Enugu State (October), Douye Diri of Bayelsa State (October), and Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State (December).