Plateau state governor Caleb Mutfwang has defected to Nigeria’s governing All Progressives Congress, a move hailed by party leaders as a boost for unity and development in the north-central region, following months of speculation about his departure from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.
APC national chairman Nentawe Yilwatda confirmed the switch in a social media announcement on Friday, extending a warm reception to the governor amid efforts to consolidate the party’s influence ahead of future polls.
“Today’s registration is a statement of hope and a commitment to a shared vision of inclusive development, peace, and prosperity for Plateau State,” Yilwatda said.
“We receive you with open arms and a deep sense of partnership, and I assure you of our collective resolve to work closely with you, hand in hand, to advance the interests of Plateau State. Welcome home to the APC, Senior Caleb Mutfwang,” he added.
Mutfwang’s decision caps a period of mounting pressure, with the governor revealing in October 2025 that influential figures were urging him to abandon the PDP, and insiders confirming last month his intent to make the jump.
Plateau gov defection not betrayal of people’s trust, APC replies PDP
The All Progressives Congress in Plateau State has rejected claims by the Peoples Democratic Party that Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s defection from the party constitutes a betrayal of public trust
Addressing a press conference in Jos shortly after Mutfwang received his APC membership card, PDP State Publicity Secretary Choji Dalyop said it was unfortunate that the governor had prioritised personal ambition over the welfare of Plateau residents.
“The party wishes to state unequivocally that it was never consulted by the governor himself concerning this matter, as alleged in some quarters,” Dalyop said.
He added that there were no justifiable reasons constitutionally allowing the governor to resign and defect without vacating his office.
“Therefore, this defection is seen as an act of political opportunism that subverts the total will of the electorate, and a pursuit of personal interests over the collective good of the Plateau people,” Dalyop said.
In response, a statement on Saturday signed by the APC Acting Publicity Secretary, Shittu Bamaiyi, dismissed the PDP’s claims as “empty threats” and “ill-conceived,” noting that Mutfwang joined the APC with several key PDP members, including senators and local government chairmen.
Bamaiyi said: “If Governor Mutfwang did not consult as claimed by the PDP, how come he joined the APC with the party’s most important members?
“The press statement issued by the PDP’s godfather and leader, Senator Jonah Jang, is instructive, as it confirms the governor consulted him before moving out of the moribund party.”
The APC questioned whether PDP officials are “politically ineffective or being economical with the truth” regarding Mutfwang’s defection, describing the move as “calculative, measured, and popular.”
The statement added: “It would have been foolhardy for the governor to remain in the PDP given its current state. The claim that he betrayed the people’s trust is misplaced, especially as he and the leaders who joined him controlled more than 90% of the PDP followership.
“The APC has graciously received him, and he has the constitutional right to join any party of his choice.”
Bamaiyi concluded that the PDP’s threats are “of no effect,” and that scapegoating the APC is “totally misplaced.”
