The All Progressives Congress has announced the defection of Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling party.
According to Channels Television, the announcement 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, who hails from Plateau State, said the development means that all states in the North Central geopolitical zone are now governed by the APC.
PUNCH Online reports that President Bola Tinubu is presiding over the APC National Caucus meeting at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
Six governors who recently defected from the PDP to the APC are attending.
The meeting started at 7:38 pm with the arrival of the President.
Meanwhile, on Monday, the Political Adviser to the Plateau State Governor, Mr. Istifanus Nwansat, disclosed that Mutfwang was set to join the APC, citing internal crises within the PDP as a major factor.
Nwansat said the governor’s decision was based on a strategic assessment of political risks, describing the APC as the “safest option” in the face of ongoing instability within the PDP.
According to him, the move would also align Plateau State with President Tinubu’s political direction and governance agenda.
“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.
“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 comes weeks after a coalition of PDP members drawn from Plateau State’s 17 local government areas held a rally in Jos, urging Governor Mutfwang to defect to the APC.
Addressing the rally, the group’s leader, Mr. Christopher Danjem, said the move had become necessary in the best interest 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 performer committed to good governance and said aligning with the Federal Government would help attract more federal projects to the state.
Danjem also cited the Federal Government’s response to recent security challenges in Plateau, including a visit by First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as evidence of the President’s concern for the state.
He said the governor’s defection would strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government and enhance development efforts in Plateau State.
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