It is now official: Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). While the defection is widely reported, the implications for the governor, the APC, and the state’s political landscape are profound.
Under the blazing Plateau sun on Tuesday, January 27, the Jos Polo Ground became the stage for a historic political event. Banners fluttered, party anthems filled the air, and political figures from across Plateau and the country converged to welcome Mutfwang. In a single dramatic gesture, Plateau, long a battleground in Nigeria’s politics, appeared to tilt decisively toward the APC.
The rally was a showcase of Plateau’s political elite, uniting figures who were once opponents. Former Governor Joshua Dariye, ex-Deputy Governor Pauline Tallen, and other prominent leaders joined the event, signaling a rare consensus around a single political direction. Their presence was strategic, indicating that survival in Plateau politics now depends on alignment with the ruling party.
Plateau dignitaries at the rally included APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Senator Simon Lalong, Plateau APC Chairman Rufus Bature, Senators Diket Plang and Davou Mwadkwon, Deputy Governor Ngo Josephine Piyo, Speaker Naanlong Gapyil, members of the state House of Assembly, local council chairmen, and other key officials.
National figures who attended included Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Senators Adams Oshiomhole and Opeyemi Bamidele, House Speaker Tajudeen Abass, and governors from Imo, Nasarawa, Edo, Ebonyi, Taraba, Borno, Lagos, and others.
Before Mutfwang’s defection, Senator Lalong led the APC in Plateau. With the governor’s arrival, he voluntarily ceded the leadership to Mutfwang, who received a virtual 2027 election endorsement from APC stakeholders. With most major 2023 election rivals now in APC under his leadership, the party appears poised for a smooth path in the 2027 Plateau elections.
Rally Highlights and Speeches
APC Plateau Chairman Bature welcomed Mutfwang, calling Plateau “a state of possibilities” and promising full support for the governor to enhance governance. Speakers repeatedly hailed Mutfwang for leading 30 state officials to APC just days before the state’s 50th anniversary, marking the North-Central region fully under APC control.
Vice President Shettima framed the move as a “philosophical realignment” rather than mere defection, describing Plateau as a model of unity through shared purpose. He assured Mutfwang of full recognition as APC leader in the state and confirmed Senator Lalong’s voluntary cession of leadership. Shettima also announced upcoming federal projects, including work on the Jos-Akwanga highway and 1,000 forest guard positions for Plateau.
APC National Chairman Prof. Yilwatda, once Mutfwang’s fiercest rival in 2023, handed him the party broom in a symbolic gesture of unity, stating:
“Our broom will give you strength to sweep all your supporters to APC. The broom will sweep away disunity. In 2027, President Tinubu and Caleb will win overwhelmingly in Plateau.”
Senate President Akpabio added that the North-Central had become an APC stronghold and commended Mutfwang for bringing Plateau to the center of national politics. He pledged that the National Assembly would support efforts to tackle insecurity and facilitate the return of IDPs.
Governor Mutfwang Speaks
On his decision to leave PDP, Mutfwang explained that while President Tinubu initially invited him in July, he declined due to Plateau’s strong PDP roots. However, by September, internal weaknesses in PDP made him reconsider.
“The PDP began to wobble seriously… It got to the point where I had to think of an option. I assessed the political landscape and concluded it was safer to join APC than attempt a new platform,” he said.
Mutfwang assured that development would continue and even improve under APC, highlighting projects in education, agriculture, and infrastructure. He emphasized enhanced collaboration with the federal government and described Plateau as “the jewel of the North-Central,” with potential to significantly influence votes.
On fostering peace and unity within APC, he stated:
“We are lucky. Key gladiators have shown understanding. Former Governor Lalong publicly recognized me as the new leader. Harmonising positions is about collaboration, not a winner-takes-all approach.”
He also spoke on security improvements, stating that credible intelligence and strong federal support have contributed to relative peace in Plateau, including during the last December holidays.
Regarding grassroots support, Mutfwang stressed that Plateau people are rational voters who trust the judgment of their leaders. Since the defection, the leadership has engaged communities across faiths and ethnicities to explain the move and secure voter backing.
Immediate Benefits
Mutfwang revealed that projects would begin soon, including:
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Jos-Akwanga highway (mobilisation within 2–3 weeks)
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Recovery of Wase grazing reserve and livestock development projects
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New abattoir capable of processing 500 cows daily
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1,000 slots in the forest service, aiding IDP resettlement
He assured that APC and Plateau would continue collaboration to maintain political unity and maximize the state’s influence in Middle Belt politics.
On Conflict and Collaboration
Mutfwang said political maturity requires prioritizing collaboration over conflict. Endorsements from APC leadership helped allay fears and ensure continuity in governance.
On internal PDP dynamics, he explained his objection to expulsions during the National Convention in Ibadan, saying:
“Decisions of such magnitude should not be taken surreptitiously. They would only deepen divides, as recent events have shown.”
