Mutfwang defection to APC reshapes Plateau politics as the ruling party secures full control of Nigeria’s North Central zone
The All Progressives Congress has confirmed the defection of the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling party.
Also read: IPMAN backs decisive fuel import ban, hails Dangote supply
The APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, announced the development during the party’s 14th National Caucus meeting at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
Yilwatda, who is from Plateau State, said the defection means all states in the North Central geopolitical zone are now governed by the APC.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presided over the caucus meeting, which began at 7:38 p.m. with his arrival.
Several governors who recently defected from the PDP to the APC were also in attendance.
The confirmation followed earlier indications from Plateau State Government officials that the governor was preparing to leave the PDP.
On Monday, the Governor’s Political Adviser, Istifanus Nwansat, said internal crises within the PDP influenced the decision.
Nwansat said the move followed a strategic assessment of political risks.
He described the APC as the safest option amid what he called persistent instability in the opposition party.
According to him, the defection would also align Plateau State with President Tinubu’s political direction and governance agenda.
He said the governor believed closer alignment with the Federal Government would serve the interests of the people.
The defection comes weeks after a coalition of PDP members from Plateau’s 17 local government areas staged a rally in Jos.
The group urged Governor Mutfwang to join the APC in what it described as the best interest of the state.
The coalition’s leader, Christopher Danjem, said the political climate made the move necessary.
He described Mutfwang as a committed performer and said alignment with the Federal Government would attract more federal projects.
Also read: IPMAN backs decisive fuel import ban, hails Dangote supply
Danjem also cited the Federal Government’s response to recent security challenges in Plateau State as a strong signal of concern and support.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
