The governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
His defection was confirmed 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, stated that the development means that all states in the North Central geopolitical zone are now governed by the APC.
Chronicle NG 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 stated that 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 defection would also align Plateau State with 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 move 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.
Speaking during the rally, the group’s leader, Mr. Christopher Danjem, said the move had become necessary in the best interest of the state.
“We have analyzed the political situation in Plateau State and the country, and we believe the governor should join the APC,” Danjem said.
He hailed Mutfwang as a performer who is committed to good governance, and he stated that working with the federal government would help the state obtain additional federal projects.
Danjem also noted the Federal Government’s response to recent security concerns in Plateau, including a visit from First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as proof of the President’s concern for the state.
He stated that the governor’s defection would deepen cooperation with the federal government and boost development efforts in Plateau State.
