The All Progressives Congress (APC) has confirmed the defection of Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party.
Gatekeepers News reports that the confirmation was made on Wednesday by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, during the party’s 14th National Caucus meeting held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja. Yilwatda said the defection means that all states in the North Central geopolitical zone are now governed by the APC.
President Bola Tinubu presided over the meeting, which was also attended by six governors who recently defected from the PDP to the APC.
Earlier on Monday, Mr Istifanus Nwansat, the governor’s Political Adviser, attributed Mutfwang’s decision to internal crises within the PDP, describing the APC as the “safest option” amid growing instability in 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,” Nwansat said.
“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.”
The defection followed a recent rally in Jos, where PDP members publicly urged Governor Mutfwang to join the APC. The leader of the rally, Mr Christopher Danjem, said the move was in the best interest of Plateau State and would help attract more federal projects, particularly in addressing security challenges.
“We have analysed the political situation in Plateau State and the country, and we believe the governor should join the APC,” Danjem said.
He added that aligning with the APC would strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government and accelerate development in the state.
Recall that The Guardian had earlier reported plans by Governor Mutfwang to defect seamlessly to the APC before the end of 2025 in order to secure his political future.
As the 2027 general elections draw closer, Nigeria’s political landscape has continued to shift, with several PDP governors defecting to the APC, further deepening the crisis within the opposition party.
In 2025, at least five sitting PDP governors have left the party, citing internal instability and the need to align with the Federal Government. They include:
- Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta State) – defected in April 2025, saying remaining in the PDP was no longer viable.
- Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State) – joined the APC in June 2025, citing stability and long-term benefits.
- Peter Mbah (Enugu State) – defected in October, saying the move was necessary for development and stronger federal engagement.
- Douye Diri (Bayelsa State) – announced his defection in October, blaming what he described as the PDP’s “terminal decline.”
- Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers State) – defected in December, pledging support for President Tinubu and improved development outcomes for Rivers State.
