By Eteteonline
Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the governor of Plateau State, officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) after officially leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in favor of the ruling APC.
He stated his intention to bring the state together and strengthen support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the run-up to the 2027 elections.
After his departure from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), this put an end to weeks of political conjecture.
On Friday, January 2, 2026, the governor was formally welcomed into the APC at Government House in Jos. Mr. Rufus Bature, the chairman of the Plateau State APC, gave him his membership registration card, numbered APC 31110100001.
APC stakeholders, party leaders, and well-known politicians from both inside and outside the state turned out in force for the event, which was held at Victoria Gowon Hall.
Speaking to APC officials and stakeholders, Governor Mutfwang assured the skeptics and the terrified that Plateau would gain from the action and encouraged them to be brave and patient.
The governor said that his choice to join the ruling party was made with divine guidance and in the best interests of Plateau State as a whole.
Mutfwang said: “This decision was taken after fervent prayers, wide consultations, and strict adherence to the constitution of the party. I have wholeheartedly embraced the APC as a platform to advance peace, unity, and development in Plateau State.”
He claimed that his action was motivated by a desire to improve the State’s unity and governance, emphasizing that Plateau’s advancement must take precedence over partisan or personal objectives.
He thanked those who supported him during the general elections in 2023, calling the race one of the hardest in the state’s history because of fierce competition and protracted legal disputes that reached the Supreme Court.
He affirmed his dedication to President Tinubu’s leadership and reelection campaign by pledging his allegiance to him.
Despite not having any political godfathers, Mutfwang said that his triumph up to the Supreme Court was divinely destined as he reflected on his political path and the court challenges that followed the 2023 governorship race.
“Our victory in 2023 was purely by the grace of God. I remain grateful to all those who laboured tirelessly, made sacrifices, and stood firm through the storms,” he added.
The governor also acknowledged former Governor Simon Lalong and other APC leaders with whom he had previously disagreed in an open discussion of past political battles.
He emphasized that his leadership would be characterized by inclusivity and reconciliation, adding that his administration is still accessible to everyone, including PDP members.
Mutfwang gave an explanation of his choice, stating that it was motivated by the need for deliberate leadership, direction, clarity, and a closer alignment with federal policies and programs intended to boost development and enhance service delivery in Plateau State.
His statement, “Plateau is bigger than any one individual,” exhorted Party members to collaborate for the advancement of the State.
He promised that PDP members who chose not to defect with him would still be treated with respect and that they were not considered adversaries.
“This is not about enmity. It is about broader consultation and the collective interest of Plateau State,” he said.
About three weeks after APC national leader Nentawe Yilwatda first declared that the governor had defected to the ruling party, he did so.
Yilwatda announced at the December APC national caucus meeting in Abuja.
The development, according to party leaders and supporters at the occasion, marked the beginning of a new era in Plateau State politics, with hopes for increased political engagement and improved party cohesiveness under the APC platform.
In December, Mutfwang’s departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was announced by the ruling APC.
At the 14th national caucus meeting of the APC, which took place at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, Plateau native Nentawe Yelwata, the party’s national chairman, announced his governor’s defection.
Yilwatda stated during the meeting that the APC now controls the whole North-central area as a result of Governor Mutfwang’s defection, characterizing the move as a tactical advantage for the ruling party.
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