Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang defects to APC, uniting Northcentral states and boosting party ahead of 2027 elections
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday, in a historic rally at the Polo Field in Jos that drew thousands of supporters from across the state’s 17 local governments.
Also read: Senator Pam Dachungyang Defects to APC Amid Plateau State Rift
The event marked the completion of the allegiance shift in Northcentral Nigeria, bringing Plateau alongside Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Benue, and Nasarawa under APC control.
The governor was joined by his deputy, Josephine Piyo, Senator Pam Nwadkou Dachungyang, PDP and opposition lawmakers, local government chairmen, and party leaders.
Addressing the crowd, Mutfwang said the defection was a move to “add value” to APC rather than take over existing structures.
“All disunity and rivalries will now disappear. Plateau will be united. No more opposition in Plateau. We are not defecting. We are realigning,” he said.
APC National Chairman Prof. Netanwe Yilwatda, who was Mutfwang’s rival in the 2023 elections, hailed the governor’s move as a symbol of unity and promised full support for his second-term bid.
“The broom will sweep away disunity. The broom will ensure we are one,” Yilwatda said, invoking the party’s iconic emblem.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, described Plateau’s entry into APC as a “reminder that what powers every nation is unity anchored on shared purpose.”
He praised Mutfwang’s administration for initiatives in peacebuilding, renewable energy for primary healthcare centres, agricultural expansion, transport infrastructure, and people-focused budgets.
The defection rally also featured remarks from former Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Abdullahi Sule, Babagana Zulum, and other dignitaries.
They lauded Mutfwang for consolidating APC’s influence in Northcentral Nigeria and reaffirmed support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
APC leaders emphasised that the party’s growth through defection and membership drives reflects Nigeria’s collective aspiration for unity, peace, and development.
“PDP is drowning. Come to the party that will give you life,” Yilwatda said, calling for wider participation in APC ahead of the general elections.
Also read: Mwansat says Plateau Governor Mutfwang chose APC voluntarily
The event, described as historic by attendees, marked a turning point in Plateau politics and reinforced APC’s status as the dominant party in the Northcentral region ahead of the 2027 polls.
