In a major political shakeup to start the new year, the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The transition was finalized on Friday, January 2, 2026, during a ceremony in Jos where the State Chairman of the APC, Rufus Bature, presented the governor with his party membership card.
This move follows the governor’s formal resignation from the PDP, which was tendered earlier this week.
READ ALSO: Plateau PDP disowns group seeking Mutfwang’s move to APC
Addressing a gathering of party leaders and supporters, Mutfwang described his defection as a strategic decision made in the “overall interest and development” of Plateau State.
He urged the citizens to remain united and calm, regardless of their political leanings.
“The journey we are embarking on is a journey of faith, and I believe that Plateau will reap the dividends of this union,” the governor stated.
“To the fearful, I say take courage… we have come to join hands; we have come to work together. For those who may be apprehensive, relax.”
Despite the change in party platform, the governor assured residents that his administration would maintain an all-inclusive system of governance, prioritizing service delivery over partisan divides.
Mutfwang expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his perceived “deep love” and commitment to the people of Plateau State.
He subsequently pledged his full support for the President’s re-election bid in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
The governor also took a moment to acknowledge his political roots, thanking the PDP for providing the initial platform that launched his governorship in 2023.
APC leadership reacts
However, the National Working Committee of the APC, represented by the State Chairman and echoed by National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, hailed the move as a “bold and patriotic step.”
The APC leadership outlined several key expectations from the union.
They emphasised the need for inclusive development, aiming to create a shared vision for economic prosperity across the state.
The party also highlighted the importance of political stability, seeking to strengthen its presence in the North-Central region.
READ ALSO: North-Central APC forum backs Mutfwang defection, slams Plateau leaders’s rejection
Additionally, the leadership stressed the delivery of democratic dividends through a close partnership with the federal government to achieve tangible results.
“Today’s registration is a statement of hope,” Yilwatda remarked in a welcoming statement. “We receive you with open arms and a deep sense of partnership.”
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