The All Progressives Congress has confirmed that Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling party.
The announcement was made on Wednesday during the APC’s 14th National Caucus meeting held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.
Speaking at the meeting, the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said Governor Mutfwang’s defection means that all states in the North Central geopolitical zone are now under the control of the APC.
Yilwatda, who is from Plateau State, announced the development in the presence of President Bola Tinubu and other party leaders.
President Tinubu presided over the caucus meeting, which began at 7:38 pm following his arrival at the venue. Six governors who recently left the PDP for the APC were also in attendance.
The defection comes days after the Political Adviser to the Plateau State Governor, Mr. Istifanus Nwansat, disclosed that Mutfwang was considering a move to the APC due to internal crises rocking the PDP.
Nwansat said the governor’s decision followed a careful review of the political situation within 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,” he said.
He added that the governor believes joining the APC would be in the best interest of Plateau State.
“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,” Nwansat said.
The move also follows pressure from a coalition of PDP members across Plateau State, who had earlier called on the governor to defect to the APC.
The group, drawn from the state’s 17 local government areas, held a rally in Jos where they urged Mutfwang to align with the ruling party.
Addressing the rally, the group’s leader, Mr. Christopher Danjem, said the decision was necessary for the progress of the state.
“We have analysed the political situation in Plateau State and the country, and we believe the governor should join the APC,” Danjem said.
He described Mutfwang as a committed leader and said joining the APC would help the state attract more federal projects.
Danjem also pointed to the Federal Government’s response to recent security challenges in Plateau State, including a visit by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as a sign of concern from President Tinubu.
According to him, the governor’s defection will strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government and support development efforts across Plateau State.
